MEDICARE PLANS

Medicare Advantage Plans

Also known as Medicare Part C, or MAs / MA-PDs

Medicare Advantage Plans (also called Part C) are an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and must follow Medicare’s rules.

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D), so you usually don’t need to buy a separate prescription plan.

With these plans, you’ll often need to use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, and there’s a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs for covered services—something Original Medicare doesn’t offer.

There are different types of Medicare Advantage Plans, including:

    • HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
    • PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
    • PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service)
    • SNP (Special Needs Plans)
    • MSA (Medicare Medical Savings Account)

Key Facts About Medicare Advantage (Part C)

  • Medicare pays a set amount each month to the private insurance company that provides your Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • You still need to pay your regular Part B premium, and some Advantage Plans may have an extra monthly premium as well.
  • If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot also have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan.
  • These plans must follow Medicare’s rules and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, including:
    • Part A: Hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and home health services
    • Part B: Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and lab tests

Why Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan?

  • Lower overall cost

    Many people find that their total expenses (deductibles, premiums, and copays) are lower with a Medicare Advantage Plan compared to Original Medicare.

  • All-in-one coverage

    These plans combine Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and usually Part D (prescriptions) into one plan with one Medicare card.

  • Star ratings for quality

    Medicare gives each Advantage Plan a rating from 1 to 5 stars every year—5 stars means excellent quality and service. This makes it easy to compare plans and choose the one that best fits your needs.