Medicare Part C 2017
Medicare is divided into four parts: Part A, B, C, and D. Each part covers different services.
Part C is a combination of the parts and provided by a single health organization.
Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage Plans, are all-inclusive plans offered by private insurance companies. They operate like an HMO or PPO and offer a network of physicians and services in a specific area. Advantage Plans include Part A, Part B, and usually prescription drug coverage (Part D). You pay a premium for Part C in addition to your Part B premium.
You are eligible to enroll in a Part C plan if:
- You are eligible for Part A
- You are enrolled in Part B
- You live in the service area of the plan
Medicare Advantage Plans have the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B and usually offer additional benefits as well. Different companies offer different policies. Most require you to have services by specific physicians at specific facilities, except in an emergency.
Choose Your Plan Carefully
The rules and the premiums can change yearly. Different plans can charge different co-pays. You must review the plans available to you and make sure they provide the services that you need.
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan when you first sign up for Medicare or during the enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 each year.
Many Services Under One Roof
The main attraction of the Medicare Advantage Plan is having the convenience of all of your services provided by one company with a network of interacting physicians that supervise your care, often under one roof. Your medical records are available to the different physicians as needed. It’s the one-stop shopping of Medicare coverage.
You cannot be enrolled in both Medigap and a Medicare Advantage Plan. You have to have one or the other.
For some a Medicare Advantage Plan is a good choice. If you live in an area that has a facility that offers the services you need in a professional and well-managed environment, it could be right for you.
Have you had a good experience with a Medicare Advantage Plan? Are you satisfied with the service you receive?
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