Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) are a form of private health insurance that provide the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) and may include additional benefits such as dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.

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What does Medicare Part C cover?

All Medicare Advantage plans include the same standard benefits as Original Medicare.

Most Medicare Advantage plans also provide prescription drug coverage.

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Some Part C plans may also cover benefits such as:

• Routine dental and vision care

• Hearing care and allowances for hearing aids

• Health and wellness club memberships, such as SilverSneakers

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Some Medicare Advantage plans may also cover services such as non-emergency medical transportation, home health care and home modifications such as bathroom grab bars.

Some types of plans restrict your coverage to in-network health care providers.

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Some Medicare Advantage plans feature $0 premiums, though $0 premium plans aren't available in all locations. 

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There are 2 general eligibility requirements to qualify for Medicare Part C:

• You must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

• There must be a Medicare Advantage plan offered in your area

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You enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan through a private insurance company, not the government.

You must be enrolled in Original Medicare before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

You cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement insurance policy at the same time.

If your Medicare Advantage plan does not include prescription drug coverage, you may be allowed to add a Medicare Part D plan as well.