Medicare Part C
Part C (Medicare Advantage) sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are health plans offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan provides all your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans always cover emergency and urgent care. Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all the services that Original Medicare covers, except hospice care. (Original Medicare covers hospice care even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan.)
Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most plans also include Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans must follow rules set by Medicare. However, each plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan).
You usually pay one monthly premium to the Medicare Advantage plan, in addition to your Part B premium.
Different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans
- Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans
- Special Needs Plans (SNP)
- Point of Service (POS) Plans—Similar to HMOs, but you may be able to get some services out-of-network for a higher cost.
- Provider Sponsored Organizations (PSOs)—Plans run by a provider or group of providers. In a PSO, you usually get your health care from the providers who are part of the plan.
Other less common types of Medicare Supplements could include:
How to Join a Medicare Advantage Plan
Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, so before you join, find out the plan’s rules, what your costs will be, and whether the plan will meet your needs.
Contact the specific plans you’re interested in to get more information about their benefits and costs. Once you choose a plan, you may be able to join by completing a paper application, calling the plan, enrolling on the plan’s Web site. Get started comparing Medicare Supplemental Advantage plans in your area.