Run by private companies to combine help with hospital costs, doctor visits, and other medical services all in one plan.
Some Part C plans include prescription drug coverage, often with no added premium.
What providers can I see?
In some plans, your care is coordinated through a primary care doctor who manages the care you get from specialists and hospitals, and you may have to choose certain doctors or hospitals. In others, you can go to any Medicare-eligible provider who accepts the terms, conditions, and payment rates.
Medicare Advantage plans have appointed service areas and plans offer nationwide emergency coverage.
Coverage limits.
Plans vary. You’ll want to check for limits and exclusions.
What is covered.
Examples of the most significant items Part C will help you with. For a comprehensive list, see plan's specific benefits.
What isn’t covered.
Part C plans cover the same services as Parts A and B, except hospice care, which is still covered by Original Medicare.
Costs.
You’ll continue to pay your Part B premium. And in many cases, a Part C plan will have its own premium too. Premiums vary widely.
Your share of the costs. Some plans have deductibles. Some don’t. Many charge copays or coinsurance. Look at the plan for details.
Out-of-pocket limits. Some plans protect you by limiting the amount you have to spend.
Coverage gap. If you have prescription drug coverage, depending on your plan, there’s a coverage gap when the plan doesn’t help you.
Enrolling
When can I join? As soon as you become eligible. You must also join Parts A and B.
How do I sign up? Each company handles its enrollment process. These plans renew automatically year to year as long as you pay your premiums.
Can they refuse to cover me or delay coverage? Not if you have joined Parts A and B, and they are accepting new members.
Can I change my coverage later? Yes, you have a chance to change your coverage each year.
Some Part C plans include prescription drug coverage, often with no added premium.
What providers can I see?
In some plans, your care is coordinated through a primary care doctor who manages the care you get from specialists and hospitals, and you may have to choose certain doctors or hospitals. In others, you can go to any Medicare-eligible provider who accepts the terms, conditions, and payment rates.
Medicare Advantage plans have appointed service areas and plans offer nationwide emergency coverage.
Coverage limits.
Plans vary. You’ll want to check for limits and exclusions.
What is covered.
What isn’t covered.
Part C plans cover the same services as Parts A and B, except hospice care, which is still covered by Original Medicare.
Costs.
You’ll continue to pay your Part B premium. And in many cases, a Part C plan will have its own premium too. Premiums vary widely.
Your share of the costs. Some plans have deductibles. Some don’t. Many charge copays or coinsurance. Look at the plan for details.
Out-of-pocket limits. Some plans protect you by limiting the amount you have to spend.
Coverage gap. If you have prescription drug coverage, depending on your plan, there’s a coverage gap when the plan doesn’t help you.
Enrolling
When can I join? As soon as you become eligible. You must also join Parts A and B.
How do I sign up? Each company handles its enrollment process. These plans renew automatically year to year as long as you pay your premiums.
Can they refuse to cover me or delay coverage? Not if you have joined Parts A and B, and they are accepting new members.
Can I change my coverage later? Yes, you have a chance to change your coverage each year.