Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the options a Medicare beneficiary has as a resource to tackle Original Medicare’s Coinsurance, Copays, and Annual Deductibles is through the use of a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C.
Medicare Advantage Plans are CMS-approved insurance plans offered through private health insurance companies. They combine Original Medicare Part A, Part B, and generally Part D into one plan. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan requires a person to be entitled to Medicare Part A, enrolled in Medicare Part B, and reside in the plan's service area. Medicare Advantage plans, at a minimum, include all benefits, services, and coverages outlined in Original Medicare. They generally have additional benefits and services Medicare does not cover, such as:
- Dental
- Vision
- Hearing
Medicare Advantage plans provide an affordable option to reduce the exposure to Medicare’s copays, annual deductibles, and 20% coinsurance. By selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurance company becomes your primary insurance, and by doing so, it has very distinct advantages and disadvantages, such as:
Advantages:
- They Have A Low or No Monthly Plan Premium.
- Part D Is Generally Included In The Plan.
- They Provide Predictable Out-of-Pocket Costs.
- They Usually Include Extra Benefits Not Provided By Original Medicare.
Disadvantages:
- As A Rule, Working Within A Network Is Mandatory.
- Typically, Working With A Primary Care Physician Is Mandatory.
- Sometimes They Require A Referral To See A Specialist.
CMS = Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services