Medicare Advantage Plans
You are here:
- Home
- Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans
What are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage Plans are a Medicare health plan sold by a private insurer that contracts with Medicare. Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B, is the traditional program offered through the federal government.
In other words, Medical Advantage Plans are like Part A and Part B except private companies offer the policy instead of the federal government.
Medical Advantage Plans are also known as Medicare Part C or private health plans. Like Original Medicare, you’ll pay a monthly premium and whatever your cost is based on the plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans
What are the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans?
The biggest difference is that different entities offer the plan. The federal government offers Medicare Part A and B. Private companies offer Medicare Advantage Plans.
Here are the differences:
| Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | |
| Costs | Monthly premium and 20% coinsurance after meeting the deductible. | Monthly premium and typically copayment for in-network care. |
| Supplemental insurance | Can enroll in Medigap to cover what Original Medicare does not cover and it requires paying a monthly premium | Cannot enroll in Medigap |
| Provider options | See providers that accept Medicare | See in-network providers |
| Out-of-pocket limit | None | An annual limit in which plan pays full the cost of care after reaching the limit |
| Referrals | Do not need referrals for specialist | Usually, need referrals for specialists |
| Drug coverage | Sign up for a separate prescription drug plan | Most include prescription drug coverage, but may increase premium |
| Others | Does not include dental, vision, or hearing | Some cover dental, vision, and / or hearing, but may increase premium |
