What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans provide all of the Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) benefits that Original Medicare does, and may also include additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, vision and dental coverage, and transportation to and from doctor’s appointments.

Medicare Advantage plans are available to all people with Medicare, including people who have both Part A and Part B, people who only have Part A, and people who only have Part B and are enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the 7-month period that starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after you turn 65. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

There are many different Medicare Advantage plans available, so it’s important to compare plans carefully before you enroll. You can compare plans on the Medicare website or by talking to a Medicare counselor.

When you compare Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

  • Cost: Medicare Advantage plans have monthly premiums, which vary by plan. You may also have to pay copayments or coinsurance for covered services.
  • Benefits: Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of benefits, so you’ll need to decide which benefits are important to you. Some plans offer prescription drug coverage, vision and dental coverage, and transportation to and from doctor’s appointments.
  • Network: Medicare Advantage plans have networks of doctors and hospitals that you can use. You’ll need to make sure that the doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network are convenient for you.
  • Customer service: You’ll need to decide how important customer service is to you. Some Medicare Advantage plans have better customer service than others.

Once you’ve compared plans and chosen a plan, you’ll need to enroll in the plan. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan online, by phone, or by mail.

If you’re not sure which Medicare Advantage plan is right for you, you can talk to a Medicare counselor. Medicare counselors can help you compare plans and choose a plan that meets your needs.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Medicare Part C:

  • You can switch Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, which is from October 15 to December 7 each year.
  • You can also switch Medicare Advantage plans during a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events, such as moving to a new area, losing your job, or getting married.
  • You can switch Medicare Advantage plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which is from January 1 to March 31 each year.

Medicare Part C is a good option for many people with Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of benefits, and they can often be less expensive than Original Medicare. If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to compare plans carefully and choose a plan that meets your needs.

Here are some of the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans:

  • All of the benefits of Original Medicare: Medicare Advantage plans cover all of the benefits of Original Medicare, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and prescription drugs.
  • Additional benefits: Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer additional benefits, such as vision and dental coverage, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, and gym memberships.
  • Lower costs: Medicare Advantage plans can often be less expensive than Original Medicare. This is because Medicare Advantage plans are paid for by a combination of monthly premiums, copayments, and coinsurance.
  • More choices: Medicare Advantage plans offer more choices than Original Medicare. There are many different Medicare Advantage plans available, so you can choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to compare plans carefully and choose a plan that meets your needs. You can compare plans on the Medicare website or by talking to a Medicare counselor.