What does Part C of Medicare offer?

Part C of Medicare, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. This program allows private insurance companies to provide Medicare coverage through their plans, which can include a combination of benefits found in Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance). Beneficiaries who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan may receive additional benefits beyond what is offered in original Medicare, such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage, and often these plans include prescription drug coverage as well.

The key feature of Part C is that it consolidates various Medicare services into a single plan, allowing for coordinated care and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. Instead of receiving benefits through the original Medicare program provided by the government, participants in Part C navigate their medical care through the private insurance plan they choose, which can enhance convenience and customization for the beneficiaries.