Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits. Instead of Original Medicare (the federal program), a private insurance company delivers your coverage — but Medicare pays them a set amount per member to do it. You still have Medicare; you're just getting it through a different delivery system.

Most Advantage plans bundle Part A, Part B, and Part D together, and many add extras like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Why Many People Choose Medicare Advantage

Lower or $0 premiums — Many plans have no additional monthly premium beyond your Part B payment. For someone on a fixed income, that's compelling.

Built-in drug coverage — Most include Part D, so you don't need a separate plan.

Extra benefits — Dental, vision, hearing aids, OTC allowances, transportation to appointments. Original Medicare covers none of this.

Out-of-pocket maximum — Advantage plans include an annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered medical services, providing protection against unlimited medical expenses. Maximum amounts vary by plan.

Predictable costs — Many services use fix copays which can help make budgeting easier for many people.

Who Advantage tends to work well for

People who are comfortable using a provider network and want additional benefits bundled into their coverage.

Individuals looking for predictable costs and annual out-of-pocket protection.

Those who prefer having medical and prescription coverage coordinated through a single plan.

People who spend most of the year in their local service area.

The Medigap Alternative

If someone chooses Original Medicare instead of Advantage, they typically pair it with:

A Medigap (Supplement) plan to cover cost-sharing gaps

A standalone Part D plan for prescriptions

A few things that make Medigap stand out:

  • Nationwide access. Generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients, without provider networks.

  • Predictable costs. Depending on the Medigap plan selected, many Medicare out-of-pocket costs are reduced or covered, helping make healthcare expenses more predictable.

  • Stability. Standardized Medigap benefits generally remain consistent from year to year, although premiums may change.

  • Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage, so most people pair it with a standalone Part D plan.

This combination is often chosen by people who value provider choice, nationwide access, and predictable healthcare costs. The tradeoff is typically higher monthly premiums.

Important note: Depending on your enrollment timing and circumstances, health underwriting may apply when applying for a Medigap plan.

Exploring the best option for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to Medicare. That’s why I take the time to understand your needs, your budget, priorities and goals before I recommend a plan.

As an independent Medicare advisor, I compare options from multiple insurance carriers to help you find coverage that fits your life.

Medicare can be complicated, My job is to make it easier.