Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies approved by Medicare. It provides an alternative to Original Medicare by bundling together the coverage of Parts A, b, and often Part D.

You can read a detailed breakdown of Medicare Part C here.

How Part C differs from Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) allows you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies and may have network restrictions and require referrals to specialists. 

Coverage under Part C

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they often include additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing. Many also include prescription drug coverage (Part D). 

Cost of Part C

Medicare Advantage plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs for some services compared to Original Medicare, but they may also have monthly premiums and other cost-sharing requirements. 

Many plans can be purchased for as little as $0 per month, but all plans comes with deductibles that need to be met before the plan will pay. Additionally, plans have copayments and coinsurance that you will need to pay until you reach your plan’s maximum-out-of-pocket.

Enrolling in Medicare Part C

You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment periods, such as your Initial Enrollment Period (when you first become eligible for Medicare) or the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7).