Medicare part C is an additional plan of Medicare that individuals can choose that include the benefits of Medicare Part A and B. Medicare part C is now known as the Medicare Advantage Plan that is offered by Medicare approved private insurance companies. These plans cover Part A and B as well as urgent and emergency care. Medicare Part C does not however cover hospice care, although regular Medicare does. A Medicare Part C plan is not considered a supplemental insurance plan. Supplement plans are referred to as Medigap plans. They were created to cover additional charges for individuals who need extensive care with perhaps often and long hospital stays.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer additional coverage such as hearing, vision, dental and other programs, although most do include prescription coverage. Advantage Plans are normally offered as a PPO plan where certain doctors and hospitals must be used and require a co-pay when visiting a doctor, although the co-pay is normally minimal.
Advantage plans charge a monthly premium that must be paid along with Medicare Part B premiums. Insurance companies that offer Part C must comply with Medicare rules and regulations. Medicare will pay a fixed amount monthly to the insurance company for the individual’s health care. Depending on the insurance company, premiums range in costs as well as certain rules may apply for specific overages.
Some individuals choose to add a medicare supplemental plan to their existing Medicare coverage. These plans are called Medigap plans and help cover the costs that regular Medicare does not cover. Medigap is usually obtained by special individuals who may require extensive health care that often includes extended days in the hospital.