Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are Medicare-approved health plans offered by private insurance companies that provide an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans bundle Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), and most also include Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Requires members to use a network of doctors and hospitals.

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Offers more flexibility in choosing providers, including out-of-network options.

• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS): Allows members to see any provider that accepts the plan’s payment terms.

• Special Needs Plans (SNPs): Tailored for individuals with specific health conditions or financial needs.

Choosing a Plan:

The best Medicare Advantage plan depends on factors like coverage, costs, provider networks, and additional benefits. Some plans offer vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs