Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offered by private insurance companies.  When you enroll into an MA plan this plan becomes your primary payor.  These plans must cover all benefits that Part A & Part B cover with benefits at least as good on average as original Medicare.   MA plans are often viewed as an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare.  Most MA plans include prescription drug coverage.  Many plans will also give you additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing benefits.  These plans may even include additional benefits such as fitness memberships, transportation and even OTC benefits.  

Unlike original Medicare, all Medicare Advantage plans also are required to have out of pocket maximums, or stop losses to limit your "worst case scenario" for covered medical bills.  In most parts of the country MA plans have a very low, or even $0 monthly premium, so they can be very cost effective for the right person.  However, due to unique provider networks, premiums, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket spending limits, MA plan benefits can vary tremendously from plan to plan and insurance company to insurance company.  With that in mind, it is important to speak with an independent insurance professional before enrolling in a MA plan.

*Note, there is NOT a Medicare Part C program that is directly through original Medicare. Anyone claiming your original Medicare card should say Part A, B & C, is deceiving you or is mistaken.