Medicare Advantage (Part C) and other plans

What is Medicare Advantage?

A Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get your Medicare coverage.  Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies. To put it in layman’s terms, Medicare advantage is healthcare coverage managed by a Private Company.

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have Medicare, but you’ll get most of your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage from the Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans includes:

• Part A
• Part B
• Most plans include Part D
• They provide lower out of pocket cost and some extra benefits.

There are 6 types of Medicare Advantage Plans, each varying in what they cover and offer.

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: See page 61.
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: See page 62.
• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans: See page 63.
• Special Needs Plans (SNPs): See page 64.
• HMO Point-of-Service (HMOPOS) plans: These are HMO plans that may allow you to get some services out-of-network for a higher copayment or coinsurance.

Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans: These plans combine a high deductible health plan with a bank account that the plan selects.