It provides health benefits to people who are 65 or older, as well as those with long-term disabilities.
As of early 2024, there were more than 67 million people enrolled in Medicare.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part C?
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Most areas of the country have Medicare Part C plans available.
In that case, the Part C coverage will take effect on January 1.
That window can also be used to switch from one Part C plan to another.
Some Medicare Part C plans have premiums, while others do not.
For most Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare Part A does not have monthly premiums.
These premiums vary from one plan to another.
Again, that’s in addition to the $174.70/month that most Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare Part B.
Private health insurance companies issue the plans.
These companies are allowed to design their coverage within certain parameters set by the federal government.
Note that this limit does not apply to prescription costs if the Part C plan is an MA-PD.
Also, Medicare Part C plans have healthcare provider networks that vary in scope; some are quite localized.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part C, you do not need aMedigap plan(Medicare Supplement).
Note that you have a one-year trial right period in such situations.
Youll want to keep the long-term picture in mind when enrolling in Medicare.
Medicare.gov has more information aboutenrolling in a Part C plan.
Summary
Medicare Part C is generally referred to as Medicare Advantage.
They will also tend to offer additional supplemental benefits that you cant get with Original Medicare + Medigap.
But Advantage plans will also tend to have higher out-of-pocket costs and a more limited healthcare provider internet.
There are a lot of factors to keep in mind when youre selecting your Medicare coverage.
No, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medigap are not the same thing.
Medigap is a private plan that supplements Medicare Part A and Part B but does not replace them.
Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage.
These are also private plans.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Medicare monthly enrollment.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.How Original Medicare works.
Kaiser Family Foundation.Medicare Advantage 2024 spotlight: first look.
KFF.Medicare Advantage in 2023: enrollment update and key trends.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Who can join a Medicare Advantage plan?
Library of Congress.H.R.34 - 21st Century Cures Act.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Costs.
Medicareresources.org.How the Medicare Part B premium reduction might save you money.
Medicareresources.org.How are Medicare benefits changing for 2024?.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Get ready to buy: your Medigap open enrollment period.
