Part C Advantage Plans

How do Part C Advantage Plans work?

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.  If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare.  These “bundled” plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Medicare prescription drug (Part D).  Most times also offering extra coverage like dental, vision, hearing, gym and wellness programs.

These plans take primary over your Medicare; thus, you must follow their networks, copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.  These benefits may change year to year.

Types of networks for Plan C Advantage Plans:

  • HMO – offers in-network coverage only.
  • PPO – offers in-network, and out-of-network coverage.
  • DSNP – for those that have Medicare and Medicaid.

Who can join a Part C Advantage Plan?

  • You live in the service area of the plan you want to join. The plan can give you more information about its service area. If you live in another state for part of the year, ask if the plan will cover you there.
  • You have Medicare Part A and Part B.
  • You don’t have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

When can you join, switch or drop a Part C Advantage Plan?

  • Join
    • Turn 65, first get Medicare A & B, qualify for an Special Enrollment Period (SEP) during the year.
  • Switch
    • Annual Enrollment Period, October 15th to December 7th for a January 1st effective date.
    • Open Enrollment Period, January 1st to March 31st where you have one chance to change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to original Medicare.
    • Other SEPs may qualify you during the year.
  • Drop
    • Annual Enrollment Period, October 15th to December 7th for a January 1st effective date.
    • Open Enrollment Period, January 1st to March 31st where you have one chance to change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to original Medicare and drop your Advantage plan.
    • Other SEPs may qualify you during the year.


      For more information click here or call (888) 805-7701.