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.

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.

Medicare Advantage plans typically use provider networks and may require referrals or prior authorization for certain services.

Routine Benefits Original Medicare Generally Doesn't Cover

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 for eligible health and wellness items
Grocery and food benefits may be available through certain Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (such as C-SNP or D-SNP), depending on eligibility and plan design.
Transportation to medical appointments
Meal benefits after hospital stays
In-home support or wellness services (availability varies by plan)

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, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or any state Medicaid agency, or any insurance carrier.

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.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, coverage, or enrollment.

Medicare Part C