Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. 

Medicare Advantage Plans cover the same health services as Medicare Part  A and B.  Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage. Some plans may  even provide additional benefits that include wellness coverage such as annual physicals, vision, hearing and dental care. 

Medicare Advantage plans function as either a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPOs) or Point of Service (POS).  That means that you will need to utilize the doctors, hospitals and other care providers that are designated within that network.  Some plans require referrals or prior authorizations for certain services.

Geography Matters because costs of Copayments and coinsurance may vary between counties within your resident state.  Medicare Advantage Plans limit how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket over the course of the Year.  This is called Medical Maximum Out of Pocket.  This too can vary between counties as well as plans being offered in your location.