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Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Also known as Medicare Health Plans
Pays covered hospital, doctor and outpatient care
Important: Part C is an alternative to Medicare Parts A (hospital care) and B (doctor and outpatient care). Medicare pays a private insurance company to manage Parts A and B. When you enroll, the provider bills the insurance company instead of Original Medicare.
See what plans are available in your county.
What will it cost?
- Part C may require a monthly premium, as costs vary. Most people pay between $0-$200 per month.
- You may have copays and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Additionally, you must pay your Part B (doctor and outpatient care) premium.
- Part C costs and plans by county
- Need help paying for Medicare?
What does it cover?
- Part C covers all services Original Medicare Parts and B cover.
- Most Part C plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D).
- Part C may provide additional coverage, such as vision and dental, not covered by Part A (hospital care) and Part B (doctor and outpatient care).
How can I enroll?
- You must first be enrolled in Parts A and B.
- You can enroll by:
- Calling the plan directly;
- Calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227); or
- Going to Medicare.gov (www.medicare.gov)
- If you have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you cannot enroll in Part C.
Updated 05/28/2013
See also
Need more help?
- Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
- Call SHIBA at 800-562-6900 or
- Email us
