Features

• Medicare Part C is a plan offered through insurance companies that replaces Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). These plans are monitored by the federal government to guarantee that those who enroll continue to receive the same coverage as their previous plan.
  
  

Types

• Medicare Advantage offers four types of plans: Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Private Fee for Service Plans (PFFS) and Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
  
  

Costs

• The costs for Medicare Advantage vary depending on the plan that is chosen. There may be an additional premium or it could remain unchanged. Your plan will have set deductibles and co-payments that may be different from those of Part A and Part B.
  
  

Eligibility

• You can join Medicare Advantage three months before you reach 65, or if you receive Medicare because of a disability and are under the age of 65.
  
  

Warnings

• Even though Medicare Advantage may provide additional benefits than Part A or Part B, you might have less flexibility in choosing a physician. Depending on where you live, there may not be any Medicare Advantage Plans available. Or, if there are plans available, they may decide to cancel at anytime depending on profitability. Your doctor may not be part of the plan's network, leaving you to pay the full prices for services.