Medicare Advantage — Part C
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private plans approved by Medicare. Plans include Part A and Part B and usually Part D.
Coverage modelPrivate Medicare-approved plan
Usually includesPart A, Part B, and often Part D
Plan featuresNetworks, cost sharing, and prior authorization may apply
How Medicare Advantage works
- You remain in Medicare and must have Part A and Part B.
- The plan provides your Medicare-covered services and may offer additional benefits.
- Most plans include prescription drug coverage.
What to compare
- Whether your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies participate in the plan’s network.
- Premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the yearly out-of-pocket limit.
- Drug formulary, prior authorization rules, referrals, and service area.
Before enrolling
- Benefits and costs can change each year.
- You must continue paying the Part B premium.
- Medigap policies do not work with Medicare Advantage.
Important: Not all plans offer every extra benefit, and benefits vary by carrier and location.
For complete and current information, review Medicare.gov and official plan documents.