Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, offer an alternative to Original Medicare. Part C plans provide the same services as Part A and Part B combined. Part C is offered by private insurers or HMOs and offers enrollees the same Medicare-eligible health care services available to beneficiaries under Parts A and B, but at a lower cost. While many Medicare Advantage plans charge a small monthly premium in addition to the premium you pay for Medicare Part B, it's much lower than premiums for Medigap policies.

In addition, Medicare Advantage plan enrollees usually get additional coverage not offered by Parts A and B, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. In exchange for lower premiums and additional coverage, enrollees are generally required to obtain health care services from providers within the MA Plan’s network.