Medicare · federal
Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Other Medicare Health Plans
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare health plans are another way to get Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) benefits instead of Original Medicare. There are several types of plans, including Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). Plans must follow CMS marketing rules when contacting prospective members. Beyond Medicare Advantage, the broader 'Medicare health plans' category includes Medicare Cost Plans, Demonstrations/Pilot programs, and PACE.
Who qualifies
Must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Plan-specific service area and enrollment-period rules apply. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) restrictions removed in 2021, most beneficiaries can now enroll regardless of ESRD status.
What it covers
All Part A and Part B benefits delivered through a private plan, often with Part D drug coverage bundled (MA-PD), plus optional extras (vision, dental, hearing, fitness, OTC allowances) that vary by plan.
Cost
Beneficiaries continue to pay the Part B premium; many MA plans have $0 additional premium but cost-sharing (copays/coinsurance) varies plan-by-plan. Specific premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums are not listed on this overview page, see medicare.gov plan finder.
How to apply
Compare and enroll in plans during the Initial Enrollment Period (around your 65th birthday), the annual Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15 to Dec 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 to Mar 31), or a Special Enrollment Period. Free local counseling is available through SHIBA.
Source www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-health-plan-options