Plastridge Benefit Group

A Medicare Advantage Plan, also called Medicare Part C, is another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow the rules set by Medicare (CMS).

 

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D).  These plans are referred to as MAPD plans.  If you are a veteran and get your prescriptions through the VA, you can get a MA plan only (leaving out the Part D).

 

Most Advantage plans are HMO or PPO and in many cases, you’ll need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs. These plans set a limit on what you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket each year for covered services, to help protect you from unexpected costs.

 

Instead of using your Medicare card when receiving services, you must use the card from your Medicare Advantage Plan to get your Medicare-covered services. However, keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card in a safe place because you’ll need it if you ever switch back to Original Medicare.

 

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have Medicare but you’ll get most of your Part A and Part B coverage from your Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare.