Protect What Matters Most

 Medicare Part C is commonly referred to as Medicare Advantage. These plans are just another way to receive your Part A and B (Original Medicare) coverage. They are also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow set rules from Medicare.

Medicare Advantage will provide the coverage that’s included in Original Medicare, but will also include additional benefits, such as:

• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Hearing coverage
• Over-the-Counter Items
• Gym memberships
• And more

To enroll in Medicare Advantage, you have to be enrolled in Original Medicare. 

There are multiple types of Medicare Advantage plans, with two of the most popular plans being Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. 

HMO plans will require that you use their in-network providers to receive your care. There are a few exceptions to this, though, such as:

• If you need emergency care
• If you need out-of-area urgent care
• If you need out-of-area dialysis

You must also choose a primary care doctor from their network, and get referrals from this doctor to see a specialist. Due to these plans requiring you to use their network providers, you will pay much less out-of-pocket. 

PPO plans, on the other hand, do not require their members to use their in-network providers. However, you will pay more if you go out-of-network, but you will have the flexibility to choose who you want to receive your care from.