Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C
These are offered by private companies
Medicare Advantage-Part C-may include extra benefits, including prescription coverage. Part D, a Medicare prescription drug plan, is available as a stand-alone option. |
Part C helps cover:
-Everything that Medicare Parts A and B cover -Some plans include Additional services, like dental, vision and wellness programs. |
Types of Medicare Advantage plans
Health maintenance organizations (HMO) In most cases, a primary care provider arranges your healthcare within the plan’s network. Preferred provider organization (PPO) Choose any provider that accepts Medicare, but you may pay less for in-network services. Private-fee-for-services (PFFS)* Generally, there is more freedom to choose providers but a network arrangement may still apply. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) SNPs are tailored for those who have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or a heart condition, or for those who are eligible for Medicare and also receive Medicaid assistance from the state. Institutional SNPs are available for those n long-term care or skilled nursing facilities. |
When choosing Medicare Advantage instead of staying with Original Medicare:
- You must have both Medicare Parts A and B coverage - You usually have to pay an additional monthly plan premium - You remain a Medicare member as long as you keep paying your Part B premium, if applicable - Along with a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have an opportunity to purchase optional supplemental benefits, like dental and vision coverage, for an additional premium. |
*Private fee-for-service plans are not Medicare Supplement insurance plans. Providers that do not contract with a PFFS plan are not required to see plan members except in emergencies.