Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C is a combination of Parts A and B usually referred to as Medicare Advantage Plans. It provides Medicare health coverage and Medicare Drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies, approved by Medicare and include the following:

• Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO)
• Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO)
• Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
• Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA)
• Special Needs Plans (SNP)

Each month, the private companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans receive a fixed amount from Medicare for your care. The companies must adhere to rules set up by Medicare. Types of Medicare Advantage Plans can vary which can affect your out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Prescription drug coverage is covered by most plans but usually for an extra cost. With some plans, vision, hearing, dental and health and wellness programs may be available. Some plans have provider networks which limit you to using only doctors and hospitals that belong to the plan.

Generally, Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment is only offered at certain times of the year. Individuals that meet the following conditions generally are eligible to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• You must reside in the service area where you want to join
• You already have Medicare Part A and B
• You DO NOT have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)