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Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are health insurance options provided by private companies like CarePlus that are approved by Medicare. These plans cover the same healthcare services as Original Medicare, except for hospice care. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Medicare prescription drug coverage.

In addition, Medicare Advantage plans often provide extra benefits, such as routine vision, dental, and hearing care. Some plans may also include health and wellness programs, like fitness memberships.

With Medicare Advantage, the federal government pays private insurance companies like CarePlus to administer your Medicare coverage.

Most Medicare Advantage plans require a monthly premium, but some companies offer plans with low or $0 premiums to make coverage more affordable. These private insurers also set the rules for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You can find this information on the insurance company’s website, or by contacting a licensed CarePlus sales agent at CarePlus Contact Page.

Medicare Advantage members must continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium, just like Original Medicare members. Some CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans include a Part B premium giveback benefit, which may put money back in your social security check each month.*

Part D prescription drug coverage is available in two ways:

• You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. These are typically called Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans.
• You can purchase a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to add to your Original Medicare coverage.

Out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance can vary between plans. It is important to review each plan’s Prescription Drug Guide (also called a drug list or formulary) to make sure your medications are covered.

With Original Medicare, you can visit any doctor who accepts Medicare. You do not need to choose a primary care physician.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, your choice of doctor depends on the type of plan you select, such as a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO) plan.

With an HMO plan, you select a primary care physician from the plan’s network. With a PPO plan, choosing a primary care physician is usually optional, and you may see out-of-network providers at a higher cost. You will typically save money by using network providers. Some HMO plans may offer additional features like out-of-network coverage or specialist visits without referrals. It is helpful to work with a licensed agent to choose the right plan for your needs.

Medicare Advantage plans must provide emergency coverage anywhere in the United States, even when you are outside your plan’s network and service area.