Medicare Part C is referred to as Medicare Advantage Plans, which is intended to provide several benefits and services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. It is a type of plan that offers traditional Medicare coverage as well as additional healthcare coverage benefits.
Once you reach 65 years of age, you’re generally eligible for Medicare Part A, if you enroll in any Medicare program. You’re eligible for Part B if you’re a permanent resident or citizen of the United States. Moreover, if you have any disability, you may qualify for such plans even if you aren’t turned 65 yet.
In this guide, we will narrow down everything that Medicare C covers, including why it is essential and how to enroll in it. So let’s begin!
What do you mean by Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C plans are a type of insurance plans that are typically offered by private insurance agencies. These plans are designed to provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, combined with the benefit of supplemental coverage. If you already own Part A and Part B, you’re automatically eligible for Part C as well.
It follows traditional insurance structures and involves:
- Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans
- Special Needs Plans (SNP)
- Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans
This program might be a viable choice for a person, if:
- He/she is already obtaining the benefits of Part A and Part B and wants additional coverage
- He/she need prescription drug coverage benefit.
- He/she wishes to gain coverage for yearly dental, hearing, or vision examination.
- He/she is interested in several kinds of coverage in one plan
What does Medicare Part C Cover?
Alongside the coverage benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Part C plans provide prescription drug, vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Some plans may involve additional health-related benefits like gym membership and meal delivery services.
Unlike Original Medicare plans, Part C usually offers coverage for prescription drugs an eligible member takes at home. Other additional perks may include:
- Routine dental exams such as x-rays, cleanings, and dentures
- Routine vision care such as eyeglasses and contacts
- Routine hearing exam such as hearing aids
- Fitness-related benefits such as exercise sessions
Keep in mind that not all Medicare Part C plans cover extra benefits in the same manner. Each may have dissimilar cost-sharing amounts for extensive care as compared to Original Medicare plans.
How to Enroll In Medicare Part C Plan?
A person may qualify for Medicare Part C, if he or she is 65 years of age or older and is already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. To meet the eligibility criteria and receive the coverage benefits of Part C, you must enroll first in Parts A and B.
It is our duty to help our elderly loved ones enroll in the right Medicare plan to ensure proper senior healthcare and create a safer environment. Here a few common questions you should ask your aging parent:
- How often will they need to visit a doctor or any specialist?
- How much they can afford out-of-pocket costs every year?
- What type of healthcare plan are they interested in?
- What types of coverage and benefits they are looking for?
Once you’ve had a thorough discussion with your loved one, you can advise them to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Drug Plan, or Medicare Cost Plan with a 5-star rating available in their area.
The owner of the healthcare agency, Nelia Ladlad encourages the elderly population to be a part of Medicare to attain a better opportunity to achieve healthcare ambitions, both simple as well as complex. You can discuss your individual healthcare needs with her and find a suitable plan for your loved one.
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