The Basics of Medicare - Part C
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Advantage Plans are part of the Medicare Program and are sometimes called “Part C.” These are health plan options that are approved by Medicare and offered by private companies. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B coverage. This means they must cover at least all of the services that Original Medicare covers. They generally offer extra benefits, and many include Medicare prescription drug coverage. The plan may have special rules that you need to follow, such as seeing doctors that belong to the plan or going to certain hospitals for services.
How much does Part C cost?
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still pay the Medicare Part B premium and you may also pay an additional premium for the Medicare Advantage Plan. Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs. These are usually co-payments but can also be coinsurance and deductibles. It’s important to call any plan before joining to find out the plan’s rules, what your costs will be and to make sure the plan meets your needs.
When can I join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan?
To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan’s service area. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan at these times:
- When you first become eligible for Medicare (three months before you turn 65 to three months after the month you turn age 65).
- If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the three months before to three months after your 25th month of disability.
- Between October 15 and December 7 each year. Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year.
- You can dis-enroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare between January 1 and February 14 of each year. During this period you can also join a Medicare prescription drug plan.
The Basics of Medicare | Part A | Part B | Part C | Part D
