What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. They combine your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage, and many plans also include prescription drug coverage. Most plans provide extra benefits, like dental or vision, and may have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare.

What types of Medicare Advantage Plans are available?

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Must use in-network providers (except emergencies); referrals often required.

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Lower costs in-network, higher if you go out-of-network.

• PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service): The plan sets provider payments and what you pay.

• SNP (Special Needs Plans): Tailored coverage for people with certain health conditions.

• MSA (Medical Savings Account Plans): Combines a high-deductible Medicare Advantage Plan with a savings account to help pay for care.

How do Medicare MSA Plans work?

1. A high-deductible health plan — coverage starts once you meet the deductible.

2. A savings account funded by the plan — you can use the money to pay healthcare costs before reaching your deductible.

MSA Plans don’t cover prescription drugs. If you need drug coverage, you’ll need to join a separate Medicare Part D plan.

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private companies. You can get it through a standalone plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Who can join a Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can join if you:

• Have both Medicare Part A and Part B.

• Live in the plan’s service area.

• Continue to pay your Part B premium. Some plans may charge an additional premium.

When can I enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D?

• Initial Enrollment Period: Three months before through three months after the month you turn 65.

• Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7): Change or enroll in a plan each year.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31): Switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare.

What help is available if I can’t afford prescription costs?

If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program, which can lower or eliminate your premiums and drug costs. Call us to see if you qualify.

Can I also buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy?

No. Medigap policies only work with Original Medicare — they cannot be combined with Medicare Advantage Plans.

What should I do during my first year with Medicare?

• Fill out an Authorization Form if you want family or friends to speak to Medicare on your behalf.

• Schedule your free “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during the first 12 months of Part B.

• Sign up for MyMedicare.gov to track claims, order a replacement card, view deductibles, and access plan details online.

What should I know about my Medicare card?

• Your Medicare Number is unique (not your Social Security Number).

• Cards are paper for easier use and copying.

• If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, use your plan’s ID card — but keep your Medicare card too.

• Only share your Medicare Number with trusted providers and insurers.

• If you forget your card, providers can usually look up your Medicare Number.

How do I decide which plan is right for me?

When comparing plans, think about:

• Costs (premiums, copays, deductibles).

• Doctors and hospitals (are they in-network?).

• Prescription drug coverage (are your medications covered?).

• Extra benefits (vision, dental, hearing, fitness, etc.).

• Travel and convenience needs.

Where can I get more information?

• Call the number on this site to connect with a licensed agent who can help review your options.

• Visit www.medicare.gov

• Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).