About Medicare Advantage Plans
About Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C, are popular private insurance alternatives to Traditional Medicare. In fact, about one-third of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans combine Part A, Part B and usually Part D into one convenient plan. Advantage plans cover all Medicare services and many also offer extra coverage for dental, hearing and vision. While these plans often offer benefits that Medicare does not, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses can be higher.
In general, most Medicare Advantage plans work similarly to employer-provided group health insurance, and therefore, offer fewer choices when it comes to healthcare providers. With Traditional Medicare, you can choose any doctor who accepts Medicare, but with Medicare Advantage, you are generally required to visit within the network. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage plans are regional, so if you travel or move, you might not be covered.
Medicare Advantage Benefits
Cost associated with Part C Plans
Most Medicare Advantage enrollees pay no additional premiums (other than Part B premiums), so if you remain healthy, Medicare Advantage plans can be extremely cost-effective. There are many different plan options, and they provide extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, etc.).