Medicare Advantage,
also known as Medicare Part C, is a type of health insurance plan offered by
private insurance companies that contract with the federal government to provide
Medicare benefits to eligible individuals.
Medicare Advantage
plans must cover all the services that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
covers, but can also offer additional benefits such as vision, dental, and
hearing coverage, as well as prescription drug coverage (known as Medicare Part
D).
Medicare Advantage
plans typically have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare, and may
also have lower monthly premiums. However, they often have a more limited
network of healthcare providers, and may require you to get prior authorization
for certain services.
To enroll in a Medicare
Advantage plan, you must be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B, and live in
the service area of the plan you want to join. You can enroll during the annual
open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year), or during a special
enrollment period if you meet certain qualifying criteria.
