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Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also known as Medicare Part C plans, are private insurance plans that contract with Medicare to provide you all of the benefits of Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A & B). The majority of Medicare Advantage plans contain prescription drug coverage, and these plans are known as an MAPD (Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug). Medicare Advantage plans differ from Medicare Supplement plans in many ways. Most notably, Medicare Advantage plans have defined network plans. These network plan types include PPO's, HMO's, Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans, & Special Needs Plans (SNP's). 

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If you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to become familiar with the particular plan network and make sure your doctors accept your MA plan. For example, Medicare Advantage HMO plans may require a referral to see a specialist. One of the biggest differences between MA plans and Medicare Supplement plans is that with Medicare Supplement plans, you can see any doctor in the United States who accepts Medicare. With MA plans, you are restricted to the network defined by the carrier. 

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Medicare Advantage plans may have additional benefits that are not found in Medicare Supplement plans. These benefits may include dental and vision benefits as well as discount programs. If you are interested in learning more about which Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area, please contact us today.