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Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage combines your hospital and medical coverage into one plan from a private insurer, and many plans include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits. We help you compare the plans offered where you live.

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  • Side-by-side plan comparisons
  • Doctor and prescription checks
  • Free help from licensed agents
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Find Advantage plans near you

Not all plans are available in all areas. We respect your privacy.
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Overview

What Is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is a way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare Parts A and B cover, except hospice care, which Original Medicare continues to cover.

You still have Medicare, and you generally continue paying your Part B premium. The plan then manages your coverage and sets its own copays, deductibles, and network rules.

Every plan also has an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which limits what you pay for covered Part A and Part B services in a year.

  • Covers hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) services
  • Many plans include Part D drug coverage
  • Annual limit on out-of-pocket costs for covered services
  • Some plans offer $0 monthly plan premiums

What May Be Included

Benefits Many Advantage Plans Offer

Benefits vary by plan and location. We will help you confirm exactly what a plan includes before you enroll.

Hospital and medical care

Inpatient stays, doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.

Prescription drugs

Many plans include Part D coverage, so you have one plan and one card.

Dental coverage

Some plans help with cleanings, exams, and other routine dental care.

Vision care

Some plans include routine eye exams and an allowance for glasses or contacts.

Hearing benefits

Some plans help with hearing exams and hearing aids.

Wellness programs

Some plans include fitness memberships and other wellness extras.

Plan Types

HMO, PPO, and Other Advantage Plan Types

Medicare Advantage plans come in several types. The main difference is how you use the plan’s network of doctors and hospitals.

  • HMOUsually requires you to use in-network providers and may require referrals to see specialists.
  • PPOLets you see out-of-network providers, typically at a higher cost. Referrals are usually not needed.
  • Special Needs Plans (SNP)Designed for people with certain chronic conditions, those living in an institution, or those with both Medicare and Medicaid.
  • PFFSPrivate Fee-for-Service plans set how much they pay providers; not every provider accepts the plan’s terms.
FeatureHMOPPO
Network In-network care required, except emergencies In-network and out-of-network care allowed
Specialist referrals Often required Usually not required
Out-of-network costs Generally not covered Covered, usually at a higher cost
Primary care doctor Usually required Usually not required

Rules differ from plan to plan. Always review a plan’s Evidence of Coverage for details.

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Is It Right for You?

Things to Consider Before Choosing Advantage

Medicare Advantage can be a good fit for people who like having coverage bundled into one plan and who are comfortable using a network of providers.

It may be less convenient if you travel frequently or want the freedom to see any provider nationwide. It is also worth knowing that if you leave an Advantage plan later, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy without health questions in some states.

  • Are your doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network?
  • Are your prescriptions on the plan’s formulary?
  • What are the copays for services you use often?
  • What is the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum?
  • Do you spend time outside the plan’s service area?
Compare with Medigap

Enrolling

How to Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan

You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and live in the plan’s service area.

  1. Confirm Parts A and B

    Make sure you are enrolled in both parts of Original Medicare.

  2. Choose an enrollment period

    You can join during your Initial Enrollment Period, the Annual Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

  3. Compare plans with an agent

    We check networks, drug lists, and costs for the plans available in your county.

  4. Submit your application

    We help you complete enrollment and explain what to expect next.

Review Enrollment Dates

Questions

Common Medicare Questions

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Still have questions?

Talk with a licensed insurance professional.

(445) 300-7597 Mon–Fri 8am–8pm ET

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as some younger people with certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS. It is made up of several parts that cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs. Many people also add private coverage to help with costs Medicare does not fully pay.

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. These plans cover everything Parts A and B cover (except hospice, which Original Medicare still covers), and many include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits such as dental or vision. Plans usually use provider networks, and costs and benefits vary by plan and location.

A Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap, is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare. It helps pay some of the costs Original Medicare does not, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people pair them with a Part D plan.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. You can get it as a stand-alone plan that works with Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, so it is important to check that your medications are included.

Most people first enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, a 7-month window that includes the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after the month they turn 65. After that, you can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event. Enrolling late in some parts may result in penalties.

Yes, during certain times of the year. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) lets you join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) lets Advantage members make one change. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after events like moving or losing other coverage.

Compare Plans

See Which Advantage Plans Are Available in Your Area

A licensed agent can compare plans side by side and help you check your doctors and prescriptions. No cost, no obligation.

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  • Plans compared in your ZIP code
  • Doctor and drug checks included
  • No obligation to enroll

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