About Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C, are popular private insurance alternatives to Traditional Medicare. In fact, about one-third of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans combine Part A, Part B and usually Part D into one, convenient plan. They cover all Medicare services and many also offer extra coverage for dental, hearing and vision. While these plans often cover stuff that Medicare does not, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses can be higher.

In general, most Medicare Advantage plans work similarly to employer-provided group health insurance, and therefore, they offer fewer choices when it comes to healthcare providers. With Traditional Medicare, you can choose any doctor who accepts Medicare, but with Medicare Advantage, you are required to visit in-network providers on HMO plans and may pay higher copays or coinsurance if you go out-of-network with a PPO plan. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage plans are regional, so if you travel or move, you might not be covered.