What is Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)?
• Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan • Why choose a Medicare Advantage plan? • Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans • Medicare Advantage managed care plans • Medicare Advantage PPOs • Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan • Leaving a Medicare Advantage plan • What if your Medicare Advantage plan leaves the Medicare program? • Consumer protections under Medicare Part C What is Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)? The Medicare program, which is a federal program that helps senior citizens and certain other individuals pay for health care, is divided into parts; Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part C is an alternative to Parts A and B. When Medicare was created in 1965 (original Medicare), it provided only two parts; Part A and Part B. Generally speaking, Part A is free to eligible recipients and helps pay for in-hospital care. Part B is optional and helps pay for regular medical care (e.g., doctor’s bills, X-rays, lab tests). Individuals who choose to enroll in