What is Medicare Part C?

Answer:

Medicare Advantage Plans (called Part C)

You must have both Part A and Part B to join Medicare Advantage plans. The plans provide all of your Part A and Part B services and generally provide additional services. You usually pay a monthly premium, and copayments that will likely be less than the coinsurance and deductibles under Original Medicare. Inmost cases, these plans also offer Part D prescription drug coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Costs and benefits vary by plan. 

Note: Help is available. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying your Medicare health care and/or prescription drug coverage costs. For more information, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov on the web, or apply at your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office.

If you have a question about Medicare or the Medicare health and prescription drug plans in your area, visit http://www.medicare.gov on the web, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Last Updated: 06/23/2008