Medicare Part C
What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?
A Medicare Advantage plan, also called Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. Instead of getting your coverage directly through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company that is approved and regulated by Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same Medicare-covered services as Original Medicare, but many plans also include additional benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare pays the insurance company to manage your care.
You still remain in Medicare—you’re simply choosing a different way to receive your benefits.
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What Does Medicare Advantage Cover?
Medicare Advantage plans combine multiple parts of Medicare into one plan:
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Hospital Coverage (Part A)
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
-
Medical Coverage (Part B)
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, imaging, and medical equipment.
-
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Most Medicare Advantage plans include built-in prescription drug coverage, but not all plans do; when included, you usually do not need a separate Part D plan.
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Extra Benefits Original Medicare Does Not Include
One of the biggest reasons people choose Medicare Advantage is the extra benefits, which may include:
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Routine dental care (cleanings, X-rays, dentures)
-
Vision coverage (eye exams, glasses, contacts)
-
Hearing benefits (hearing exams and hearing aids)
-
Fitness programs (such as gym memberships or home fitness)
-
Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances (such as eligible health and wellness items)
-
Transportation to medical appointments
-
Meal benefits after hospital stays
-
In-home support or wellness services (availability varies by plan)
What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?
A Medicare Advantage plan, also called Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. Instead of getting your coverage directly through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company that is approved and regulated by Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same Medicare-covered services as Original Medicare, but many plans also include additional benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare pays the insurance company to manage your care.
You still remain in Medicare—you’re simply choosing a different way to receive your benefits.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
What Does Medicare Advantage Cover?
Medicare Advantage plans combine multiple parts of Medicare into one plan:
-
Hospital Coverage (Part A)
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. -
Medical Coverage (Part B)
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, imaging, and medical equipment. -
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Most Medicare Advantage plans include built-in prescription drug coverage, but not all plans do; when included, you usually do not need a separate Part D plan.
Extra Benefits Original Medicare Does Not Include
One of the biggest reasons people choose Medicare Advantage is the extra benefits, which may include:
-
Routine dental care (cleanings, X-rays, dentures)
-
Vision coverage (eye exams, glasses, contacts)
-
Hearing benefits (hearing exams and hearing aids)
-
Fitness programs (such as gym memberships or home fitness)
-
Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances (such as eligible health and wellness items)
-
Transportation to medical appointments
-
Meal benefits after hospital stays
-
Groceries and food benefits may be available through certain Special Needs Plans (such as C-SNP or D-SNP) and are subject to eligibility requirements, plan design, and service area.
In-home support or wellness services (availability varies by plan)
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Important Information & Disclosure
Anthony’s Healthcare provides Medicare education and guidance only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any state Medicaid agency.
Medicare consists of multiple parts (Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D), each with its own rules, costs, and coverage limitations. Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies, and Special Needs Plans (D-SNP, C-SNP) are offered by private insurance companies that are approved and regulated by Medicare.
Coverage, premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, provider networks, formularies, service areas, and extra benefits may vary by plan, carrier, county, and contract year and are subject to change. Extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, transportation, over-the-counter allowances, food or grocery benefits, meals, and in-home services are not guaranteed and may have limitations or eligibility requirements.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, coverage, or enrollment.

