What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare, instead of through Original Medicare.
These plans cover everything Original Medicare Parts A and B cover. Many also include prescription drug coverage, and some offer extra benefits like dental, vision or hearing. You still pay your Part B premium.
How it works
- Networks: many plans use a network of doctors and hospitals, such as an HMO or PPO.
- Copays: you usually pay a copay or coinsurance when you get care.
- Yearly limit: every plan has a maximum you’ll pay out of pocket for covered services in a year.
- Changes each year: plans can change their costs, benefits and networks every year.
What to compare
- Whether your doctors and hospitals are in the network
- Whether your prescriptions are covered, and what they cost
- The yearly out-of-pocket maximum
- Copays for the care you use most
- Rules for seeing specialists and getting care when you travel
We’ll compare the plans available in your area side by side and help you understand the trade-offs.
When you can enroll
Most people can join when they first become eligible for Medicare, and each year during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7. Some life events also open a Special Enrollment Period.
Common questions
Is Medicare Advantage the same as a Medicare Supplement?
No. Medicare Advantage replaces how you get your Medicare benefits. A Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare to help pay your share of costs. You can’t use both at the same time.
Do I still pay my Part B premium?
Yes. You keep paying your Part B premium with a Medicare Advantage plan, plus the plan’s premium if it has one.
Other coverage we can help with
Questions about medicare advantage?
Talk with a licensed agent. It’s free, and there’s no pressure.
TTY 711
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Plan availability, costs, networks and benefits vary by plan and location and can change each year.