Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare that must follow rules set by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare but you will get your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage from the Medicare Advantage Plan.  You will generally get your services from a plan’s network of providers. In all types of MA Plans, you’re always covered for emergency and urgent care.

The plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers except hospice care. Original Medicare covers hospice care even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan. These types of plans aren’t supplemental coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as:

Some include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

Vision

Hearing

Dental

Health and wellness programs

Every Medigap policy must follow Federal and State laws designed to protect you, and it must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” Insurance companies can sell you only a “standardized” policy identified in most states by letters A–N. All policies offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can choose which one meets your needs.

Different insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same exact policy. As you shop for a policy, be sure you’re comparing the same policy (for example, compare Plan F from one company with Plan F from another company).

Every Medigap policy must follow Federal and State laws designed to protect you, and it must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” Insurance companies can sell you only a “standardized” policy identified in most states by letters A–N. All policies offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can choose which one meets your needs.

Different insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same exact policy. As you shop for a policy, be sure you’re comparing the same policy (for example, compare Plan F from one company with Plan F from another company).