Understanding Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, and most include prescription drug coverage. Benefits, provider networks, costs, and additional coverage can vary by plan.

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You also continue paying your Part B premium while enrolled. Depending on the plan, you may have an additional plan premium, a $0 plan premium, or a plan that helps pay a portion of your Part B premium.

• Doctors and hospitals — Are your preferred providers in the plan’s network?
• Prescription drugs — Are your medications covered, and what will they cost?
• Out-of-pocket costs — Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• Additional benefits — Some plans may offer benefits beyond Original Medicare.
• Travel — Consider how the plan works when you’re away from home.
• Annual changes — Plan benefits, costs, and provider networks can change from year to year.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, and most include prescription drug coverage. Benefits, provider networks, costs, and additional coverage can vary by plan.

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You also continue paying your Part B premium while enrolled. Depending on the plan, you may have an additional plan premium, a $0 plan premium, or a plan that helps pay a portion of your Part B premium.

• Doctors and hospitals — Are your preferred providers in the plan’s network?
• Prescription drugs — Are your medications covered, and what will they cost?
• Out-of-pocket costs — Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• Additional benefits — Some plans may offer benefits beyond Original Medicare.
• Travel — Consider how the plan works when you’re away from home.
• Annual changes — Plan benefits, costs, and provider networks can change from year to year.