Medicare Part-C: This is an option which replaces Original Medicare Parts A & B and is known as Medicare Advantage Plans or MA. These plans are part of the Medicare program but a private company instead of Medicare will provide benefits. Private companies pay your health providers instead of Medicare. Monthly costs for you may be less than original Medicare and a Medi-gap policy, but out of pocket, co-payments and co-insurance when you have a claim may be substantially more. MA Plans may offer extra benefits such as vision and hearing and may or may not include prescription drug coverage. MA is available in two versions HMO’s and PFFS, Private-Fee-For-Services. Medicare will no longer provide your benefits if you enroll in any of the MA Plans. Each plan has a different mix of costs and benefits. Enrollment periods are limited to Nov. 15th - Dec. 31st & Jan. 1st - Mar. 31st. No changes can be made during the remainder of the year, so make sure you chose a plan that will meet your needs.
