Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Summary: Medicare Part C is available from private insurance carriers and not only covers everything Original Medicare covers but may also come with additional benefits in certain areas. Also known as Medicare Advantage plans, benefits and plan availability can vary by location. For many, Part C plans are a great alternative but it’s important to weigh all of your options before enrolling. Estimated Read Time: 4 mins

Table of Contents:

1. What is Medicare Part C?
2. What Medicare Part C Plans are Available?
3. Pros and Cons of Medicare Part C
4. What Is the Difference Between Medicare Part C and D?
5. Is Medicare Part C the Same as a Medicare Supplement Plan?
6. Is Medicare Part C the Same as Medicare Advantage?
7. How to Enroll in Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C is health insurance coverage from a private insurance company that assumes your risk from Original Medicare. Also known as Medicare Advantage plans, this means that Medicare Part C becomes your primary source of coverage rather than Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

While these policies may offer an array of benefits they also vary from carrier to carrier or from zip code to zip code. Below, we’re exploring how Medicare Part C can help you cover healthcare costs.

What is Medicare Part C?

Original Medicare is made up of Medicare Part A (hospital services) and Part B (outpatient services). Medicare Part C plans are all-in-one healthcare options that combine Original Medicare benefits plus additional coverage in some cases.

When you enroll in a Medicare Part C plan, the company you enroll with becomes your primary source of health insurance. Upon agreeing to pay your claims, your Part C Medicare plan receives funding from the government. Instead of the federal government paying your claims, it is the responsibility of your insurance company.

While Medicare Part C is not mandatory, some people choose the coverage instead of Original Medicare with or without a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap. Medicare Part C coverage must at least match Original Medicare coverage. However, since there are several Medicare Part C plan types, costs for enrollees can vary widely.

What Medicare Part C Plans are Available?

Medicare Part C plans are available through major health insurance companies as well as regional carriers depending on your location. Each carrier offers different plans with varying benefits. However, the most popular Medicare Part C plan types are health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) plans.

Thus, if you are looking for a plan with a wider availability of doctors and hospitals, you might need to look at PPO plans. If you are looking for a smaller network of providers, an HMO plan might be right for you. Often, PPO plans come at a higher cost because they allow more benefits than an HMO plan.

To know which plan types are right for you, it is important to research the available plans in your area to know what benefits work for your needs. Please note that regardless of your carrier, Medicare Advantage Part C plans must cover everything Original Medicare will cover.

Pros and Cons of Medicare Part C

Part C Medicare coverage is an alternative to Original Medicare, but is it right for you? For many, the coverage is a great way to cover healthcare costs, but for others, it may not be the correct choice. To better understand if Part C is right for you, weigh the pros and cons below:

What Is the Difference Between Medicare Part C and D?

The difference in Medicare Part C and Part D is how they cover your healthcare. Here’s how they differ:

• Medicare Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare to cover your healthcare. Some plans may provide prescription drug coverage.
• Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs but none of your other forms of healthcare. You can add Part D to your coverage if you have Original Medicare. This includes those who also have Medigap.

Is Medicare Part C the Same as a Medicare Supplement Plan?

No, Medicare Supplement plans pay secondary to Original Medicare to provide coverage for costs you would otherwise have to pay out-of-pocket. Medicare Part C plans assume your risk and become your primary coverage rather than Original Medicare.

Is Medicare Part C the Same as Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. While private plans began as early as 1966 through HMOs, Medicare Part C came to be through the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA). The name was officially called the Medicare+Choice program but the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) would rename it to Medicare Advantage.

How to Enroll in Medicare Part C

At MedicareFAQ, we help Medicare beneficiaries enroll in coverage every day. One of our licensed agents will explain the pros and cons of your Medicare Part C options and research all the top providers in your area. We help you compare your options for Medicare Part C and Medicare Supplement plans to find the right policy for your healthcare needs.

To reach a licensed insurance agent, give us a call at the number above. Can’t call now? No problem! Complete our online rate form to learn more about your Medicare Part C options in your area.

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