Paying for care
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is a Medicare-approved health plan sold by a private company. It replaces Original Medicare for most people who join. Plans typically bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Many plans use provider networks and may add benefits such as dental or vision.
Why it matters for your family
Each plan sets its own costs, networks, and extra benefits, and they can change each year. Medicare's annual open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. Some plans advertise in-home support, but do not assume a plan pays for ongoing help with bathing or dressing. Read the plan's Evidence of Coverage and ask in writing. A common mistake is to join a Medicare Advantage plan and expect to keep or add a Medigap policy. You generally cannot pair the two. A State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor can compare plans for free.
Source: medicare.gov
Read more: What Medicare Doesn't Cover
Related terms
- Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance.
- Medicare Part BMedicare Part B is medical insurance.
- Medicare Part DMedicare Part D is prescription drug coverage.
- Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance)Medigap is private insurance that helps pay your share of Original Medicare costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
- Dual eligibleA dual eligible is a person who has both Medicare and Medicaid.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)A State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a free, state-run counseling service for people with Medicare and their families.
