Medicare Parts A and B coverage, as well as additional benefits, are combined in Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Most of these plans will also include prescription drug coverage or Medicare Part D. If you want to enroll in one of the Advantage plans that are available through private companies, you can do so as long as you already have or can qualify for regular Medicare coverage. You won’t need these three coverages or need any type of Medigap coverage if you enroll in Plan C.

The Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans

Although everything normally covered by Medicare is covered by a Medicare Advantage plan, there are some differences between them that you should be aware of. Most of the time, the difference is in the amount you pay out-of-pocket for medical care. Some of those differences include:

• coinsurance or payment of a different percentage of your medical bills

• co-country

• deductible

• Network of providers available

• Online vs. Off the grid

In addition, urgent and emergency medical care is included in Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). In some cases, routine dental, routine vision and/or wellness programs may also be covered by some plans. Most will include Part D coverage. However, Part C coverage does not include any hospice care, even with a Medicare Advantage plan, since it is still covered by Medicare.

The Different Types of Medicare Advantage Part C Plans

To determine what type of Part C plan will meet your needs, you should review the different types of plans that are currently available. There are several different plans, including the following:

HMO – Health Maintenance Organization Plan

MSA – Medical Savings Account Plan

PFFS – Private Fee-for-Service Plan

POS – Point of Service Plan

PPO – Preferred Provider Organization Plan

SNP – Special Needs Plans

Information on these six different types of plans is available online by simply using the abbreviation or what it stands for as keywords for your Google search.

Enrollment in Part C

Finally, the enrollment process for Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) will differ depending on the private insurance company you select. However, the enrollment periods are identical regardless. Enrollment is allowed once you are eligible for Medicare, but there is a 7-month waiting period that begins 90 days before your 65th birthday and continues for 120 days thereafter. Finally, if you are under 65 and receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you will qualify once you have been receiving SSDI for 2 years and 1 month.