Medicare Advantage = Medicare Part C
A Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C, is one of several health insurance options available to seniors who qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage members can enjoy additional safeguards to access uncompromised quality healthcare as well as experience enhanced financial security that comes with having additional benefits to their Medicare plan.
Private insurance companies contract with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage insurance plans that combine to give you coverage for all of your Part A (hospital) benefits, your Part B (medical) benefits and in some, but not all, cases, your Part D (prescription) benefits. These companies must abide by Medicare rules, but they can determine how you get services (such as using only network providers), and they can charge you different out-of-pocket costs, depending on a variety of variables.
Medicare Advantage plans are not Medicare supplemental plans, but depending on which option you choose, you may have lower copayments, and your plan may provide prescription drug coverage, vision, dental and other services that Medicare Part A and Part B typically do not include.
As with any health insurance plan, you should only choose a Medicare Advantage plan after a thorough examination of its costs vs. benefits vs. limitations. Medicare Advantage programs include:
- Private Fee-For-Service Plans (PFFS)
- Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO)
- Special Needs Plans (SNP)
- HMO Point of Service Plans (HMOPOS)
- Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA)
At The Center for Senior Benefits, we know you have many questions about Medicare health plans. We invite you to talk to one of our experienced and helpful Medicare experts to learn if a Medicare Advantage plan best suits your unique needs. We are happy to take the time you need to help you make a wise and well-informed decision about any Medicare health plan.