Insurance Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare — often with $0 premiums and extra benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D drug coverage into a single plan — and many include extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
- Often $0 monthly premium plans available
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits frequently included
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum protects your finances
How Medicare Advantage Works
You still have Medicare
You must remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive your benefits — not your Medicare eligibility.
Your Advantage plan pays your claims
Instead of Original Medicare paying providers directly, your private insurance carrier processes your claims — following Medicare's rules and coverage standards.
You use the plan's network
Most Advantage plans (HMO and PPO) have provider networks. Using in-network providers keeps your costs lowest.
Medicare Advantage Plan Types
Health Maintenance Organization
Requires you to use a network of doctors and get referrals to see specialists. Typically the lowest premiums.
Pros
- Lowest monthly premiums
- Often $0 premium options
- Coordinated care model
Cons
- Must use network providers
- Referrals required for specialists
- Limited out-of-area coverage
Preferred Provider Organization
More flexibility to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost. No referrals required.
Pros
- See any doctor (in or out of network)
- No referrals needed
- More flexibility when traveling
Cons
- Higher premiums than HMO
- Higher out-of-pocket for out-of-network
- More complex cost-sharing
Private Fee-for-Service
You can see any Medicare-approved provider who agrees to the plan's payment terms.
Pros
- Broad provider access
- No network restrictions if provider agrees
- Flexible for frequent travelers
Cons
- Provider must accept plan terms
- Less common plan type
- May have higher cost-sharing
Extra Benefits Often Included
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
| Factor | Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | Often $0 (you still pay Part B) | Part B premium only (~$185/mo) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Yes — capped annually | No cap — unlimited exposure |
| Drug Coverage | Usually included (MAPD) | Requires separate Part D plan |
| Dental / Vision / Hearing | Often included | Not covered |
| Provider Choice | Network-based (HMO/PPO) | Any Medicare-accepting provider |
| Referrals | Required for HMO; not for PPO | Never required |
Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in Your Area
Plans vary significantly by ZIP code. We'll compare every available option for your location — free.