Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) that provides additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage, as well as prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and are required to provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare. In this article, we will explore the advantages of Medicare Part C over Original Medicare, as well as some of the most reliable companies that offer Medicare Part C plans.
Why Choose Medicare Part C Over Original Medicare?
While Original Medicare provides basic healthcare coverage for eligible individuals, Medicare Part C offers additional benefits and coverage options that can be appealing to many seniors. Here are some of the advantages of Medicare
Part C over Original Medicare:
- More Comprehensive Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans offer more comprehensive coverage than Original Medicare. In addition to covering hospitalization (Part A) and medical services (Part B), Medicare Advantage plans may also include prescription drug coverage (Part D), vision, hearing, dental, and wellness programs.
- Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: Medicare Advantage plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. For example, many Medicare Advantage plans have lower copayments and deductibles, as well as an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
- Coordination of Care: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer coordinated care, which means that your primary care doctor and other healthcare providers work together to manage your healthcare needs. This can result in better health outcomes and fewer hospitalizations.
- Flexibility: Medicare Advantage plans offer more flexibility than Original Medicare. For example, some plans allow you to see out-of-network providers for a higher cost, while others offer travel coverage for medical emergencies.
- Bundled Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans may offer bundled coverage for vision, hearing, and dental services, which are not covered under Original Medicare. This can be a significant benefit for seniors who need these services but cannot afford to pay for them out-of-pocket.
Most Reliable Companies that Offer Medicare Part C
If you decide that Medicare Advantage is the right choice for you, it’s important to choose a reputable and reliable insurance company. Here are some of the most reliable companies that offer Medicare Part C plans:
- United Healthcare: United Healthcare is one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans, offering a wide range of options in most states. They offer plans with low premiums and copays, as well as plans with additional benefits like vision, hearing, and dental coverage.
- Humana: Humana offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with $0 premiums and plans with prescription drug coverage. They also offer extras like fitness programs and telemedicine services.
- Aetna: Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans with low out-of-pocket costs and additional benefits like vision, hearing, and dental coverage. They also offer a variety of plans with different levels of coverage, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield: Anthem BCBS offers Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky and Indiana. They offer coordinated care and a range of benefits, including vision, hearing, and dental coverage. They also partner with Kroger for benefits such as grocery cards and special needs plans.
- Wellcare: Wellcare offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with $0 premiums and plans with additional benefits like Part B giveback and low-income assistance. They also offer a range of wellness programs and tools to help you manage your health.
In Conclusion:
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare that offers additional benefits and coverage options. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and are required to provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare. If you decide that Medicare Part C is right for you, or have questions about what plan to choose, our agents are here to help for free!