Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) is a Combination of your Part A and Part B options and must cover all the services that Original Medicare covers (Part A and Part B). Only private insurance companies approved by Medicare can provide this type of coverage. Part C is often a lower out-of-pocket risk alternative to the Original Medicare Plan, and provide extra benefits such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs and most include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage plans have several plan types available. Before enrolling, you should consult with a local agent who can guide you to a plan that has an open provider network and covers your prescription medications at a low cost because some Part C plans have networks in which you must use the doctors or hospitals that are contracted with the plan. Costs for items and services vary by plan. To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan you must live in the service area, be enrolled in Part A and Part B of Medicare and not have ESRD (end stage renal disease).
