What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits, offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Instead of Original Medicare's Part A and B paid directly by the government, an approved insurer manages your coverage, often adding extra benefits.
What's typically included?
- Hospital and medical coverage equivalent to Original Medicare
- Often includes prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- May include dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits
- An annual cap on your out-of-pocket spending
What should you check before choosing one?
Whether your current doctors are in-network, what your specific prescriptions cost under the plan's drug list, and what the plan charges for the kind of care you use most — specialist visits, hospital stays, or ongoing treatment.