A Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Medicare Part C) is a Medicare plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you all your Original Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage) benefits, as well as additional coverage that may be offered through that plan.
Most Medicare Advantage plans work like a traditional Health Maintenance Organizations where you choose a primary care doctor to manage your healthcare and provide a more coordinated approach to your care.
Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans:
- Can help simplify the complexity around Medicare
- May offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, including prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Have financial protections in place and limit your hospital and medical deductibles, coinsurance and copays, unlike Original Medicare
- Can’t vary your premiums based on your age, smoking history, gender, or pre-existing conditions
- Give you access to Sutter’s network of award-winning, quality doctors and clinicians when you choose a plan that contracts with Sutter
Patients enrolled in these plans are more likely to receive preventive care and health screenings and have lower hospital readmission rates. 1 If you’re eligible to sign up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B), then you’re eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during a qualifying enrollment period.
1 Better Medicare Alliance, State of Medicare Advantage Report, September 2023, Available at https://bettermedicarealliance.org/publication/state-of-medicare-advantage-2023/