Medicare Advantage (Part C)
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage is a way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage through a private insurance company that contracts with Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage works
When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan provides your hospital and medical coverage instead of Original Medicare. You still have Medicare.
- Plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers. (Hospice care is still covered by Original Medicare.)
- Many plans use a network of doctors and hospitals, and some require referrals to see specialists.
- What each plan covers and costs varies. A licensed insurance agent can go over plan details with you.
Types of Medicare Advantage plans
| Plan type | How it generally works |
|---|---|
| HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) | You generally use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, except in emergencies. You may need a referral to see a specialist. |
| PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) | You pay less when you use in-network providers, and you can see out-of-network providers, usually at a higher cost. |
| PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service) | The plan sets how much it pays providers. You can see any provider who accepts the plan’s terms. |
| SNP (Special Needs Plan) | For people with certain chronic conditions, who live in an institution, or who have both Medicare and Medicaid. |
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
| Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors and hospitals | Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare | Often a network; rules vary by plan |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Can be added | Can’t be used with Medicare Advantage |
Who can join?
You can join a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan’s service area.
When can you join or switch?
- Initial Enrollment Period, when you first become eligible for Medicare
- Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7 (coverage starts January 1)
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, January 1 – March 31, for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan
- Special Enrollment Periods, after certain life events
Reviewed October 2026. Medicare rules and costs change every year. For the latest official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
How we’re paid
Our service is free to you. We may be paid by the insurance agencies and companies we work with. You never pay us a fee, and you’re never obligated to enroll.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 17 organizations which offer 96,646 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
FAQ
Medicare Advantage questions
Can I keep my doctor?
It depends on the plan, and many Medicare Advantage plans use networks. A licensed insurance agent can go over this with you.
Can I have Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement plan?
No. Medicare Supplement plans can’t be used to pay costs in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Questions about Medicare? Talk with a licensed agent.
Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET · TTY: +1 877-486-2048