Part C - Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare Advantage (MA) or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD), is also known as Part C of Medicare. MA/MAPD coverage is offered by private health insurance companies that "replace or manage" your Original Medicare Parts A and B, and then it becomes your primary insurance coverage. Many of the Medicare Advantage Plans start at zero dollars per month for this type of insurance. Depending on the state and county that you live in will determine what plans are available in your area. 

You are still paying your Medicare monthly premiums to the Government because you must have Part A and Part B of Original Medicare to have a MA or MAPD. These plans are becoming increasingly popular due to their low monthly premium, but with that comes co-pays / coinsurance and network requirements for which providers you are able to use.  

Most MAPD plans now include extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover like dental, vision, gym membership and OTC benefits - these benefits vary by insurance plan.

These plans can be PPO or HMO. With the PPO plans you typically will not a referral to see your doctors and the PPO plans will travel conveniently and effectively. Many of the HMO plans today are including some sort of travel benefit and all Medicare Advantage Plans have Emergency Room, Urgent Care, Ambulance and Hospital Coverage anywhere in the USA.