Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?

Most people understand the basics about Medicare: that Medicare is a federal health insurance program managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in which the government pays your Medicare benefits when you receive them. However, many people do not have a clear understanding of Medicare Advantage Plans and how they work.

Medicare Advantage Plans are essentially a different way for you to get your Medicare benefits. Advantage Plans, sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare. Medicare pays these companies to cover your Medicare benefits and, in turn, these companies must follow rules set by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare. In addition, many Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra coverage like vision, hearing, dental, and health and wellness programs. Many Plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). All Medicare Advantage Plans cover you for emergency and urgent care services as well.

You must have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the Medicare Advantage Plan’s service area to be eligible to join.


Read more in the Senior Citizen’s Guide to Cleveland, a guide designed to help older adults and those with aging parents or family members find housing, health, financial, travel, entertainment, consumer services, and other senior-related resources in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Lorain Counties in Northeast Ohio.