Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are sometimes called “MA Plans”. They are offered through Medicare contracted private insurance carriers. MA Plans must provide all Part A and Part B benefits.
Some plans might also offer additional benefits such as dental,vision and hearing coverage. Prescription drug coverage is included in most MA Plans.
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care each month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare.
Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs. They can also have different rules for how you get services, like:
- Whether you need a referral to see a specialist
- If you have to go to doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care
These rules can change each year.
visit medicare.gov for more information
