Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare health plan that is sold by private companies.  Medicare Advantage is an alternative to original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and is referred to as Medicare Part C.  Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover all the services available with Medicare Part A and Part B.  Many Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits that are not available through original Medicare such as Vision, Dental, Hearing, Transportation, and Gym Memberships.
 

Most Medicare Advantage plans will include prescription drug coverage.  If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, then you still have Medicare but now you are covered by the plan and most of your Medicare services will be covered through the plan and not through original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans are available to all Medicare beneficiaries who are entitled to Part A and enrolled in Part B of original Medicare except for beneficiaries who have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease). 

To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan you must reside in the service area of your plan choice.

Medicare advantage plans are Medicare plans sold by private companies so the availability of plans as well as the plan cost can vary county to county and state to state.  Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums though the availability of these plans may vary.  Typically, Medicare Advantage plans have a network of doctors and you will be required to utilize care within that network but your cost sharing with a Medicare Advantage plan could be lower than with original Medicare.