Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a health insurance plan offered by private companies that contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This plan uses the same benefits and services as traditional Original Medicare but usually includes additional coverage such as vision and dental care.

What Does It Include?

Medicare Part C includes:

• Parts A and B (Original Medicare) coverage: hospital, inpatient, and medical care
• Part D coverage: prescription drugs
• Additional benefits, such as vision, hearing, and dental services, and often health/wellness programs
  

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. However, enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan may limit your provider network and require you to use only those doctors and hospitals within the plan's network.

How Much Does Medicare Part C Cost?

The cost of Medicare Part C plans will vary based on the plan type and your location. With Medicare Part C coverage, the premiums usually fluctuate between $0-$200 per month. Although you will still be responsible for your Part B premium payments, some plans offer financial aid with that cost. Generally, you will also be responsible for copayments and coinsurance. Depending on the plan, you may also be required to pay a deductible before insurance coverage begins.

In addition to these out-of-pocket expenses, all Medicare Part C plans include an annual limit on what you have to spend out-of-pocket for medical care in any given year. This limit is known as the Out-of-Pocket Maximum or OOP Max and varies from plan to plan. Once this amount has been reached, your insurance company is responsible for covering 100% of the claims.

Medicare Part C Eligibility

To be eligible for a Medicare Part C plan, you must already be enrolled in Parts A and B of Original Medicare. Additionally, you must live in the service area of the specific plan you are applying for.

When Should I Enroll?

These are the different Medicare Advantage enrollment periods you should know about:

• Medicare Initial Coverage Election Period ICEP – This period is triggered when you enroll in Medicare Part A and B for the first time. This is your first chance to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Medicare Annual Election Period AEP – Every year, everyone who is a beneficiary of Medicare Part A and B can make changes during this AEP. This period runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. You can sign up for, change, or disenroll from an Advantage plan during this time.
• Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period MADP – If you are unhappy with your Medicare Advantage plan and want to return to Original Medicare, you can do so during this period. This period occurs every year from January 1 to February 14.
• Medicare Special Election Periods SEP – Special election periods are triggered for those dealing with special circumstances which might need to change their policies. For example, if you move or lose coverage through your current insurance company, a SEP will be triggered so that you can sign up for a new plan.
  

How to Enroll in Medicare Part C?

You can sign up during the Annual Election Period or when you are first eligible for Medicare. During this time, you can compare different plans and select one that best meets your needs and budget. It's also essential to make sure that any doctors or healthcare providers you see accept your chosen plan.

Once you have selected a plan, you must complete an application form with the insurance company and submit it along with the required documents. The company will review the application and let you know if it has been approved or denied. After your enrollment has been accepted, your coverage will start on the 1st of the month following its approval date.

Types of Medicare Part C Plans:

Health Maintenance Organization Plans: HMOs require you to see doctors or health care providers within the plan's network to cover your medical costs. If you choose to go outside the network, you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

Preferred Provider Organization Plans: PPOs allow you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients and offers services at a discounted rate. However, you may have to pay a higher price if you see doctors or hospitals outside the plan's network.

Private Fee-for-Service Plans: PFFS plans let you see any doctor who accepts the terms and conditions of your particular plan. The out-of-pocket service cost will depend on whether or not the provider is in the plan's network.

Special Needs Plans: SNPs are designed to meet the needs of individuals with specific chronic or disabling conditions, including HIV/AIDS and diabetes. These plans provide specialized care, services, and benefits tailored to their members' unique health needs.

Medical Savings Account Plans: MSA plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines a high-deductible health plan with an account for medical costs. The plan and your account can be used to pay for your health care expenses.

Before enrolling in any Medicare Part C plan, it's essential to research all available options and find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Make sure to compare all of the features, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, before making a final decision.

Ready To Learn More?

Our mission is to inform consumers of their options and help them navigate the plan selection process. We are proud to work with some of America’s highest-rated insurance providers. To learn more about Medicare Part C or Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans, you can request a personalized Medicare Advantage Quote from us today.