What is the Medicare Advantage Plan also known as?

The Medicare Advantage Plan is also referred to as Part C. This designation encompasses a variety of health plans offered by private companies that provide Medicare beneficiaries with an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Advantage Plans typically cover all the services that Original Medicare covers while often including additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage, which are not typically included in standard Medicare.

By being classified as Part C, the Medicare Advantage Plan allows beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through these managed healthcare plans, providing a more integrated health service that can often improve care coordination. Other parts of Medicare (Part A, Part B, and Part D) represent different facets of the program: Part A covers hospital insurance, Part B covers outpatient services, and Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Understanding the designations of these parts helps clarify the structure of Medicare and the options available to beneficiaries.