What does Medicare Part C refer to in the Medicare system?

Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage, which is a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide medical coverage. These plans combine the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and often include additional benefits such as vision, dental, and sometimes prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans can differ significantly from traditional Medicare, offering various plan structures and network limitations, allowing for managed care models.

Medicare Part C is designed to provide more comprehensive and coordinated care for beneficiaries while potentially lowering out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility typically requires that individuals be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and they must live in the service area of the Medicare Advantage plan they wish to join.

In contrast to the other options, such as Supplemental Medical Insurance or Long-term Care Insurance, Medicare Part C specifically encompasses a range of managed health plans that replace traditional Medicare coverage rather than supplement it or offer separate care types.