Medicare Part C is a private plan option for Medicare beneficiaries seeking expanded services and limited out-of-pocket costs within their health care plan. Also known as Medicare Advantage or MA Plans, Part C Plans merge Part A and B provisions with additional vision, dental, hearing, and wellness benefits.
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Medicare Part C plans, also called Medicare Advantage or MA, are sold by private, Medicare-approved insurance companies.
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Medicare Part C plans bundle Part A and Part B benefits along with additional coverage for vision, dental, hearing, or wellness services.
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Medicare Part C plans include HMOs, PPOs, PFFS plans, SNPs, HMO-POS plans, and MSA plans.
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While Original Medicare has no cap on out-of-pocket costs, Medicare Part C sets an annual limit on covered medical expenses.
In 2022, about half of the over 28 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Part C.
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C is an option for replacing and expanding the health care services beyond what Original Medicare provides. It is like an all-in-one plan that allows you to customize health coverage. At a minimum, Part C covers the benefits of Parts A and B. Your plan may also include Part D prescription drug coverage.
If you have Part C coverage, you don’t need and can’t keep Parts A or B.
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To compare Medicare plans available in your area, click Compare Plans or call 816-643-5223 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average Medicare enrollee can choose from 43 Part C plans, including 35 with Part D drug coverage, available in 2023. Types of Medicare Part C plans include:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
- HMO Point of Service (HMO-POS) Plans
- Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan
You can find details regarding Part C plans at Medicare.gov.
Why would I need Medicare Part C?
Although you’re still in Medicare and get full Part A and B coverage, Medicare Part C plans offer extra benefits. For instance, Medicare Advantage can cover vision, dental, and hearing services. Part C may be more affordable as out-of-pocket costs might be lower.
Further, Medicare Part C plans have a maximum on your out-of-pocket costs for the plan year. After you reach this limit, the plan pays for 100% of covered services. However, plans have different limits that can change every year.
Individuals with severe medical conditions or financial situations may benefit from joining a Part C plan called a Special Needs Plan (SNP). For instance, some SNPs cater to individuals who live in long-term care facilities. Other SNPs are designed for those who are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
What does Medicare Part C cover?
Medicare Part C plans are required by law to provide at least the same benefits and rights available with Original Medicare Parts A and B, except for hospice care. As private plans, Medicare Part C plans can offer advantages that federally administered Original Medicare won’t.
Additional services may include:
- Yearly eye exams
- Allowance for eyeglass lenses, frames, and contacts
- Diabetic eye exams
- Glaucoma screening
- Dental checkups
- Cleanings
- Dentures and crowns
- Hearing exams and aids
- Gym memberships or discounts
- Over-the-counter medications
- Wellness services
Most Part C plans also include Part D Medicare Drug Coverage. Your Part C plan might provide bathroom safety aids and transportation to medical appointments as well.
What is not covered by Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C will not pay for your deductibles or co-payments. You still need to pay monthly premiums for your plan and Part B, although some plans offer rebates toward the Part B premium.
Like Original Medicare, MA plans won’t pay for the medical expenses of your spouse or dependents. You would be responsible for paying for nonessential or unreasonable medical services, such as excessive procedures or for those with no diagnosis.
Medicare Part C normally does not cover hospice services or clinical trials. Original Medicare will help pay for these costs if you are in a Part C plan.
Costs included in Medicare Part C Plan
Your costs with Medicare Part C depend on the plan you join and how often you need health care services. Each Part C plan can charge out-of-pocket costs and set different guidelines for covering non-emergency care.
Amounts vary widely according to your plan, including what you’d pay for. However, some Part C plans have $0 premiums, and all have an out-of-pocket maximum of $8,300 in 2023.
You will have to pay for:
- Monthly premium billed by plan provider
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Co-payments or co-pays
Who is eligible for Medicare Part C?
Anyone with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) can enroll in a Medicare Part C plan. You must be at least 65 and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Also, you must reside in the service area of the plan you wish to join.
Those younger than 65 with illnesses including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can join a Part C plan. You’re also eligible for Medicare Part C if you’ve received monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability payments for 24 months.
FAQ
Do you have to pay extra for Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C may help lower your costs for Original Medicare benefits, but monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays vary based on your chosen plan. The amounts can also change every year. You do still need to keep paying your Part B premium. However, Part C plans have a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs.
Can you add Medicare Part C at any time?
No, you can only add Medicare Part C at certain times. Your Initial Enrollment Period is when you first become eligible for Medicare. The Open Enrollment Period for joining, switching, or dropping a plan is from October 15 to December 7 each year. During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1 to March 31 each year, you can switch to a different Part C plan or back to Original Medicare.
What is the advantage of having Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C plans typically come with lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage has a yearly out-of-pocket maximum, while medical costs under Original Medicare are unlimited. Part C also covers prescription drugs and vision, hearing, dental, and wellness services, unlike Part A and Part B.
4 resources
- Medicare. Things to know about Medicare Advantage Plans.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. Extra Benefits Offered by Medicare Advantage Firms Vary.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. Medicare Advantage 2023 Spotlight: First Look.
- Humana. Medicare dental and vision coverage.
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