Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a type of health plan that combines Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into a single plan.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that have contracted with Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same benefits as Original Medicare. However, many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental coverage, and vision coverage.
The cost of Medicare Part C varies depending on the plan you choose. Some plans have no monthly premium, while others may have a premium. You may also be responsible for paying a deductible and coinsurance.
To be eligible for Medicare Part C, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also live in the service area of the Medicare Advantage plan you choose.
You can enroll in Medicare Part C during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the seven-month period that begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. You can also enroll in Medicare Part C during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are available for certain life events, such as losing job-based health insurance.
Medicare Advantage plans have networks of doctors and hospitals. You must see a doctor or go to a hospital in the plan's network to get full coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans may have limitations on your choice of doctors and hospitals.
You can change your Medicare Advantage plan once a year during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
You can get more information about Medicare Part C by visiting the Medicare website or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also talk to a Medicare counselor. Medicare counselors are trained to help you understand your Medicare options.