Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Also known as: Medicare Advantage, MA Plan

Medicare Advantage, a private-plan alternative for receiving Part A and Part B benefits, usually with Part D drug coverage included.

Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. It is a private-plan way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. You still have Medicare, must keep Part A and Part B, and must continue paying the Part B premium.

Most plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Plans may add dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or other benefits.
Plans can use provider networks, referrals, and prior authorization.
Every plan has a yearly limit on what you pay for covered Part A and Part B services.

Part C does not sit on top of Original Medicare like a Medigap policy. It changes how you receive the benefits. A Medicare-approved private company manages the coverage and sets plan-specific costs and rules within Medicare requirements.

Compare the actual doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, pharmacies, premiums, cost sharing, and approval rules. A $0 additional premium does not mean the plan has no costs.

Read Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage for the full decision, or review the official Medicare comparison.

Example

A person joins a Medicare Advantage HMO that includes hospital, medical, and prescription coverage. The plan has a local network, a yearly out-of-pocket limit, and prior approval rules for some services.

Good to Know

You still have Medicare when you join Part C. The plan becomes the way you receive Part A and Part B benefits, and you keep paying the Part B premium.

Related Terms

Medicare Part A — Hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient hospital care, limited skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B — Medical insurance that helps cover doctors, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment, and many tests and treatments.

Medicare Part D — Prescription drug coverage offered by private plans that follow Medicare rules, either separately or through most Medicare Advantage plans.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) — A health plan that covers care mainly through a network of contracted providers and usually requires you to pick a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists.