Part C Medicare Advantage = Medicare Parts A, B and often D

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, integrates Medicare Part A and Part B coverage with additional medical benefits not covered by Original Medicare, Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug benefits.  Medicare Advantage plans are available through private health insurers and may include:

• Routine eye and dental care
• Hearing aids and eyewear
• Wellness programs
• Discount programs for services and products, such as acupuncture

When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you still receive all the entitlements and privileges of Original Medicare.  You're simply choosing to assign the administration of your Medicare benefits to a private insurer and will receive your benefits through the Medicare Advantage plan you join.  The federal Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, oversees the private health insurers to manage benefits for you if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.  When you enroll in Medicare Advantage, CMS applies you Original Medicare benifits to your Medicare Advantage plan.  To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:

• Reside in the U.S.
• Live in the plan service area
• Be entitled to Medicare Part A
• Have enrolled in Medicare Part B
• Continue to pay your Part B premium
• Not have end stage renal disease, in most cases