Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage. It lets you receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private health plan.
Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage. Private insurance companies offer these plans under contracts with Medicare. Joining one is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits.
What Does Part C Include?
Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers under Part A and Part B. Most plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage. Many offer extra benefits, such as limited dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or transportation services.
Each plan sets its own extra benefits. You may need to use certain providers or get approval before care, called prior authorization. Dollar limits and other conditions may also apply.
If you choose the Medicare hospice benefit, Original Medicare pays for covered hospice care even if you have Medicare Advantage. It also pays for eligible care unrelated to your terminal illness while you receive hospice. Ask your plan how your extra benefits will continue. See Medicare’s hospice rules.
How Is It Different From Original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage plans set their own deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, provider networks, and service areas within Medicare's rules. You may need a referral to see a specialist or approval before certain care. Plans also have a yearly out-of-pocket limit for covered Part A and Part B services. That medical limit does not include plan premiums or Part D drug spending; the drug cap is separate.
You must have Part A and Part B to join and must keep paying the Part B premium. A plan advertised with a $0 premium can still have other costs.
Before You Join
Check:
- Whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network
- Whether your prescriptions are on the formulary, the plan’s list of covered drugs
- The total estimated annual cost, not only the premium
- Prior authorization and referral rules
- Coverage when you travel or live in another area
Plan availability and benefits can change each year. Read the plan’s current Evidence of Coverage, the document explaining its benefits and rules, and check the provider directory.
Keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card even when you use the plan card for ordinary care. Before joining, record the exact plan name and coverage year alongside your doctor and prescription checks; another plan from the same insurer can have different rules.
Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.