A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan combines Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) in one plan. It usually includes prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision and fitness, often at no additional premium charge.
Yes. Original Medicare plans come directly from the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies.
Yes. Medicare supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is also available from private insurance companies. Medigap adds to Original Medicare while Medicare Advantage replaces it.
Yes. Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plans are generally used in addition to Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans operate within defined geographic regions called service areas. To join a plan, you need to live in its service area. Coverage and costs can vary by plan and location. When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?
Typically, your first opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and after that, you will need to wait until the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place each year from October 15 through December 7. However, there may be other opportunities for you to enroll or make changes to your plan outside of those periods, depending on your existing coverage and/or if you qualify.
Learn more about Medicare enrollment
Anyone who is eligible for Original Medicare can choose a Medicare Advantage plan. To find which plan best fits your needs and budget, start with a plan comparison tool.
Most Medicare Advantage Plans Cover:
Additional benefits Medicare Advantage plans may offer:
*Even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, hospice care will still be paid for you by Original Medicare Part A.