Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C, aka, Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is an additional insurance option for people who are eligible for Medicare. These plans are offered through private insurance companies. With original Medicare, you’re covered for Part A (hospital services) and Part B (outpatient medical services).
Medicare Part C offers coverage for parts A and B, plus additional items and services. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D), in addition to dental, vision, hearing, many other benefits. In most cases, you’ll need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network.
It’s important to compare the benefits between your current coverage and the different types of Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Be sure that you understand the additional benefits and any benefits (or freedoms) that you may lose.
Who's eligible for Medicare Part C?
You qualify for Medicare Part C if you already have Medicare parts A and B, and if you live in the service area of the Medicare Part C provider you are considering.
Due to law passed by Congress that went into effect in 2021, people with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are eligible to enroll in a broader range of Medicare Advantage plans. Before this law, most plans would not accept you or limit you to a Special Needs Plan (SNP) if you had a diagnosis of ESRD.