Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C

Also known as Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part C is a private, Medicare-approved health insurance plan designed for individuals registered in Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B. It does not provide you an alternative to traditional Medicare but combines coverage for doctor visits, hospital care, and other medical services in one plan.

It is mandatory that you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join. This means you will continue paying the Part B monthly premium for Part B and may also have to pay the Medicare Advantage Plan’s premium as well. Just like Part A and B, you will generally have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses (for instance co-insurance or copayments) for certain services.

You can have your premium automatically deducted from your checking or savings account, or charged via a debit or credit card. You can also have the premium deducted from your Social Security check/benefit (provided that your monthly payment covers your premium).

Advantages of Medicare Part C

• Your costs may be lesser as compared to the Original Medicare Plan
• You may be able to receive additional benefits offered by the plan like coverage for hearing, dental, vision, special discounts on certain health-related products and wellness programs.
• You don’t need to purchase a separate plan to supplement Medicare Part A and B
• You might be eligible for help paying for subsidies (premiums)
  Prescription drug coverage may be included

You can usually join this Medicare plan if you live in its service area, you have coverage of both Original Medicare (Part A and B), and you do not have any kind of end-stage renal diseases such as permanent kidney failure needing dialysis or a transplant.

What Does Medicare Part C Cover?

Medicare Part C covers all of the services of Part and B, meaning you will have both outpatient and hospital benefits. However, rather than paying deductibles and around 20% of your medical services, you will be paying the plan’s copays.

Keep in mind that every penny you spend on Part A and B services is contributed towards your out-of-pocket maximum. When you hit that maximum, your Part C will pay 100% for the remaining year. Part C coverage also usually comes with a built-in Part-D drug plan.

Remember that all Medicare Advantage plans have different networks, rules, and enrollment periods. Restrictions, copays, and limitations may apply, so make sure you understand everything prior to applying for a plan.