- Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage (MA)
- MA plans are approved by Medicare and run by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.
- CMS (Medicare) pays these private insurers to manage your Medicare Parts A and B benefits and pay your claims on behalf of CMS.
- MA plans must have the same or better benefits than Original Medicare.
- Some plans may include additional supplemental benefits such as dental, eyewear, fitness and wellness coverage that go beyond what what Original Medicare offers. These additional benefits vary so please refer to the plan’s Summary of Benefits for details.
- Many MA plans also include Part D prescription drug benefits. These are MAPD plans.
- All MA plans contract with a network of providers, hospitals and vendors. Generally, your copay and cost sharing responsibility is lower when using an “in-network” provider when compared to one not contracted with your plan.
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What is Medicare Advantage?
