When you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll have an important decision to make: stick with Original Medicare (Parts A and B), or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C.
More than 30 million Americans have chosen Medicare Advantage. Here’s why.
What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
A Medicare Advantage plan is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. It provides all the coverage of Original Medicare and often much more.
When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurance company becomes your main point of contact. They handle your doctor visits, hospital stays, and (in most cases) prescription drug coverage — all in one plan.
What Medicare Advantage Plans Usually Include
All Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers — but most go further. Here are benefits many plans include:
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Routine dental care
- Vision exams and eyeglasses
- Hearing exams and hearing aids
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowance for health items
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Fitness memberships like SilverSneakers
- Telehealth visits
- Meal delivery after hospital stays
Some plans even offer extras like healthy food cards or utility bill support, depending on your eligibility.
One Plan, One Card, One Company
One of the biggest advantages of Medicare Advantage is simplicity. You often have:
- One insurance card
- One monthly premium (sometimes $0)
- One company managing all your benefits
If you like having things in one place, a Medicare Advantage plan can be much easier to manage than having Medicare + a separate drug plan + a Medigap policy.
Network-Based Care: What to Know
Most Medicare Advantage plans use a network of doctors and hospitals, similar to an HMO or PPO. If you’re used to employer insurance, the setup may feel familiar.
- HMO plans require you to see in-network providers
- PPO plans let you see out-of-network doctors, but at a higher cost
Always check that your providers are in-network before enrolling.
Cost Considerations
Medicare Advantage plans often have lower monthly premiums than Medigap policies — some even have $0 monthly premiums. You still pay your Part B premium, but many people find that Advantage plans offer more value for the price.
Most plans also cap your out-of-pocket costs for the year, which Original Medicare does not. Once you hit that cap, the plan covers the rest.
Who Might Benefit Most?
A Medicare Advantage plan might be a good fit if:
- You want drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage bundled together
- You’re looking for a plan with lower premiums
- You like the structure of provider networks
- You want help covering everyday health needs, not just hospital bills
Final Thoughts
Medicare Advantage plans are a popular option for a reason. They offer broad coverage, built-in extras, and real cost protection, all under one plan. For many people, it’s a smart and practical way to manage health care in retirement.
Still, not every plan is right for every person. Benefits vary by location, and provider networks can differ. It’s important to compare plans and ask questions before enrolling.
At Liberty Senior Benefits, we help you do just that. Our licensed agents compare plans based on where you live, what you need, and what you value, at no cost to you.
We’re here to simplify the process so you can feel confident about your coverage.