Part C: What is the Medicare Advantage Plan?

A Medicare Advantage plan is a private health insurance plan that you may opt to get your benefits from instead of traditional Medicare. Originally called Part C,  Advantage plans usually have an HMO or PPO network of doctors.

By joining one of these plans, you direct Medicare to pay the plan a set monthly amount for your care. In return, the plan will deliver all of your Part A & Part B services. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium while enrolled in an Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage are NOT Medigap plans. They work differently.

Medicare Advantage Coverage

With an Advantage plan, you will pay co-payments when you receive healthcare services. Each plan sets its own cost-sharing. For example, you might pay a copay for a primary care doctor visit, and perhaps a higher copay for a specialist. visit Likewise, some plans will charge you a daily hospital copay, and other plans might charge a flat amount for the whole stay.

Limitations, co-payments and restrictions my apply, and each plan’s benefits, formulary, pharmacy network provider network, premium and co-payments may change on January 1 of each year. 

These plans also frequently include small extras that original Medicare doesn’t cover. Some common examples would be vision benefits, hearing discounts, and health and wellness programs, such as gym memberships. These benefits also can change from year to year.

Another popular feature of Advantage plans is that they often include a built-in Medicare Part D drug plan, which saves you from having to purchase that separately.

Are there $0 Premium Medicare Advantage Plans Available?
Yes, absolutely in certain areas there are NO PREMIUM PLANS,  please email/call today to go over options and plans.