Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Benefits:

• All-in-One Coverage: Combines Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and often Part D (prescription drugs).
  
• Extra Benefits: May include dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and transportation to medical appointments.
  
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Limits how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket each year for covered services (Original Medicare has no cap).
  
• Coordinated Care: Some plans, like HMOs and PPOs, focus on coordinated care which can lead to better health outcomes.
  

Problems:

• Network Restrictions: Most plans require you to use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network.
• Prior Authorization: May require pre-approval for certain services or medications.
• Changing Benefits: Plans can change benefits, provider networks, and costs each year.
• Less Flexibility: Harder to see specialists or get care out-of-network without extra cost.