Understanding the Parts of Medicare: Medicare Part C

Medicare part C, also known as Medicare advantage, is the alternative to Traditional Medicare Part B Benefits. It is an HMO model of care that is offered by private insurance companies that Medicare has approved. These private insurance companies typically offer enhanced benefits in addition to those that are traditionally available. These plans have networks to provide services, meaning only specific doctors and hospitals are covered. Each company has its own rules as to which facilities and doctors are covered. These plans are more affordable than Traditional Medicare but they are much more regulated and restrictive.