Medicare has numerous types of plans with different coverages and services. Medicare Part C, also referred to as Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plan), is a Medicare-approved plan from a private insurance company.
The Medicare Advantage Plan is effectively a bundled insurance plan that includes the equivalent of Medicare Parts A, B, and D.
When an individual joins a Medicare Advantage Plan, the person still has Medicare coverage; however, the MA Plan provides additional benefits. Additional benefits may include costs for fitness programs, vision, hearing, and certain dental services.
Who is Eligible for an MA Plan?
Before you join an MA Plan, the individual must already have Part A and Part B. Each year, the open enrollment period for a new Part C applicant is October 15 to December 7, and changes will take effect on January 1.
If the individual is already enrolled in an MA Plan, the open enrollment period to make a change is from January 1 to March 31. There are special enrollment periods available if you change your residence or lose your other health coverage.
For example, if an individual sells their home and moves to a new residence that isn’t within the existing plan’s service area, the individual can change their MA Plan.
Other Medicare Plans
For more information on Medicare plans, see the following resources:
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B
- Medicare Part C
- Medicare Part D
Additional Information
For more information on Medicare Part C plans, individuals can visit the Medicare.gov website.