Medicare Advantage Plans, Explained
I get asked about Medicare Advantage more than almost anything else. Here's how I explain it: Part C bundles your hospital and medical coverage, and often prescriptions, into one plan through a private insurance company. Let's go through what to know before you pick one.
Schedule Your Free ReviewWhat's Included in a Medicare Advantage Plan
Hospital & Medical Coverage
Everything Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers, provided through a private plan.
Often Includes Drug Coverage
Most plans bundle in Part D prescription drug coverage.
Extra Benefits
Many plans add dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover.
Network-Based
Plans usually work through a network of doctors and hospitals, so it matters which providers are in-network.
What to Check Before You Enroll
Not every plan covers the same doctors, hospitals, or medications — and premiums, copays, and extra benefits vary by plan and by county. Before enrolling, it's worth confirming that your current doctors are in-network, your prescriptions are covered at a price you can live with, and the plan's out-of-pocket maximum fits your budget.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage isn't the only way to get more complete coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare instead of replacing it, and tend to appeal to people who want more flexibility in which doctors they see. Which one fits depends on your health, your provider preferences, and your budget — something we can go through together.
How IRMAA Can Affect Your Premium
If your income is on the higher end, it's also worth understanding Medicare IRMAA — an income-related surcharge added to your premiums regardless of which type of plan you have. It's not something you opt into or out of; Social Security applies it automatically based on your income.
For a full breakdown of how Medicare Advantage fits into the bigger picture of Medicare Parts A through D, see the Medicare Guide.
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I'll walk through your options and help you find the plan that actually fits your doctors, medications, and budget.
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