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Is Medicare Advantage the Same as Plan C?

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If you are searching for an Arizona Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have some questions. Is Medicare Advantage the same as Plan C? What coverage do I have with this plan? Is it more expensive? How does it differ from other Medicare plans? When searching for the right medical coverage that suits your needs, these are all great questions.

The answer is that a Medicare Advantage Plan is also called Plan C. So, they are the same type of coverage with different names. But, to answer some more of your pressing questions, we need to discuss them in more detail.

What is Covered with Medicare Advantage?

To understand what Medicare Advantage covers, we need to understand the other types of Medicare insurance plans. The first one is Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance. This insurance will cover inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. The next Medicare insurance is Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance. This insurance covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services. Lastly, there is Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs.

So, now that you know what the other plans do cover, you will be happy to find out that Medicare Advantage covers everything that the other plans do not cover. It makes sense why it is called Medicare “Advantage” because you get a coverage advantage that the other plans don’t have. Medicare Advantage can cover fitness programs like gym memberships, vision, hearing, and dental services. These services may come in handy if you are eligible for Medicare and need things like hearing aids, glasses, contacts, or dentures.

The other great thing about purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan is that it can have additional beneficial coverage too. When you buy a Medicare Advantage plan, companies can tailor it to your needs. For example, if you need transportation to doctor visits, it could be covered. Over-the-counter drugs that you use often can be part of your plan too. Just be sure to talk to your insurance agent or company and let them know what you need, and they will do their best to provide it to you.

How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost?

There could be a few out-of-pocket costs when you purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, but it depends on a few things. Many Medicare Advantage plans do not have a monthly premium, but some do, so if you choose a company with a monthly premium, you will be paying out of pocket for that. You may also have to pay if you have any yearly or additional deductibles. Your deductible is usually dependent on the type of plan you choose, so make sure to choose wisely.

Depending on your preferred plan, you may have to pay a copay before your doctor or medical visits. The co-pays can be anywhere from $10 to $20 every time you see your physician. Another factor can be the type of medical services you require and how often. For example, if you go to the doctor several times a month, your co-pay may be more, and you have to pay every time, which could be costly. Whether you go in or out of the network can affect the cost of your Medicare Advantage plan coverage. Also, if you have Medicaid or get any help from the state, this may affect the cost of your plan. Lastly, your particular plan’s out-of-cost yearly set limit can depend on how much you spend on your plan each year.

The Medicare Advantage Plan may be a good option if you want the added benefits besides the regular Medicare insurance plans.