Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Part C, commonly called Medicare Advantage, is a comprehensive alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage has become a popular choice among Medicare beneficiaries in recent years. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all Part A and B services. This means the plan aids in paying for hospital stays and most medical services (excluding hospice care). What sets Medicare Advantage apart is the additional benefits, including drug, dental, and vision services and membership in wellness and health management programs. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include qualified prescription drug coverage, so you don’t need to purchase a stand-alone Part D drug plan. These plans are marketed as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug, or MAPD, plans.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31, allowing plan holders to make a one-time switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare