What is Medicare Part C? Is Medicare Part C the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan?

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C is the same thing as a Medicare Advantage Plan. They are just different names for the same thing. You will hear the terms Medicare Advantage, Part C, and MA plans used interchangeably.

Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare approved private companies. They can be thought of as a "bundle

You need to have Medicare Part A and B to get an Advantage Plan. Your Advantage plan (Part C) essentially replaces Medicare Part A, Part B, and typically Part D too.

What does Medicare Part C cover?

Medicare Part C cover the same benefits as Part A & Part B(links), and in a lot of cases, it covers more.

Medicare Advantage Plans cover:

Part A Benefits:

e.g. Hospital Inpatient Services, Nursing Facilities, Hospice Care, Post-Inpatient Home Care

Part B Benefits:

e.g. Medically Necessary Services, Preventative Health Care, Durable Medical Equipment

Possible Additional Coverage:

e.g. Dental, Hearing, and Vision Services, Wellness Programs, and Prescription Drug Coverage

Common Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)

Special Needs Plan

Medicare Advantage Plan Costs

What does Medicare Part C cost?

The cost varies from plan to plan. To get a quote on a Medicare Advantage plan, click here.