Rachel Christian, writer and researcher for RetireGuide
  • Written by
    Rachel Christian

    Rachel Christian

    Financial Writer and Certified Educator in Personal Finance

    Rachel Christian is a writer and researcher for RetireGuide. She covers annuities, Medicare, life insurance and other important retirement topics. Rachel is a member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education.

    Read More
  • Edited By
    Matt Mauney
    Matt Mauney, Senior Editor for RetireGuide

    Matt Mauney

    Financial Editor

    Matt Mauney is an award-winning journalist, editor, writer and content strategist with more than 15 years of professional experience working for nationally recognized newspapers and digital brands. He has contributed content for ChicagoTribune.com, LATimes.com, The Hill and the American Cancer Society, and he was part of the Orlando Sentinel digital staff that was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2017.

    Read More
  • Reviewed By Bob Glaze
  • Published: April 28, 2020
  • Updated: October 20, 2023
  • 6 min read time
  • This page features 15 Cited Research Articles
Fact Checked
Fact Checked

A licensed insurance professional reviewed this page for accuracy and compliance with the CMS Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMGs) and Medicare Advantage (MA/MAPD) and/or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) carriers’ guidelines.

Cite Us
How to Cite RetireGuide.com's Article

APA Christian, R. (2023, October 20). Medicare Advantage Plans. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/medicare-advantage-plans/

MLA Christian, Rachel. "Medicare Advantage Plans." RetireGuide.com, 20 Oct 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/medicare-advantage-plans/.

Chicago Christian, Rachel. "Medicare Advantage Plans." RetireGuide.com. Last modified October 20, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/medicare-advantage-plans/.

Why Trust RetireGuide.com
Why You Can Trust Us

Content created by RetireGuide and sponsored by our partners.

Key Principles

RetireGuide’s mission is to provide seniors with resources that will help them reach important financial decisions that affect their retirement. Our goal is to arm our readers with knowledge that will lead to a healthy and financially sound retirement.

We’re dedicated to providing thoroughly researched Medicare information that guides you toward making the best possible health decisions for you and your family.

RetireGuide LLC has partnerships with Senior Market Sales (SMS) and GoHealth.

Our partners are able to be reached through the phone numbers and/or forms provided on our website.

The content and tools created by RetireGuide adhere to strict Medicare and editorial guidelines to ensure quality and transparency.

Editorial Independence

While the experts from our partners are available to help you navigate various Medicare plans, RetireGuide retains complete editorial control over the information it publishes.

We operate independently from our partners, which allows the award-winning RetireGuide team to provide you with unbiased information.

Visitors can trust our inflexibility regarding our editorial autonomy. We do not allow our partnership to influence RetireGuide’s editorial content whatsoever.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work

Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is an “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). These plans are offered by government-approved private insurance companies Medicare later reimburses.

Instead of juggling coverage from multiple plans, Medicare Advantage offers all benefits within a single plan.

Medicare Advantage plans may also include Part D drug coverage, vision, dental and hearing benefits.

By law, Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare.

No matter what Medicare Advantage plan you select, you’re guaranteed emergency and urgently needed care.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
Health Maintenance Organization Plans
Enrollees must use doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other medical facilities within the plan’s network. This rule does not apply to emergency or urgent care services. Most HMOs also require a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. Prescription drugs are covered in most cases.
Preferred Provider Organization Plans
Enrollees pay less for doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other medical facilities within the plan’s preferred network. Services outside the network usually cost more. You don’t need a referral to see a specialist. Prescription drugs are covered in most cases.
Private Fee-for-Service Plans
There may or may not be a provider network. Doctors and medical providers outside of the network can choose to accept or deny PFFS plan coverage on a service-by-service, patient-by- patient basis. You don’t need a referral to see a specialist. Prescription drugs may or may not be covered.
Special Needs Plans
Enrollees with specific diseases, certain health care needs or limited incomes receive special, tailored coverage. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria. You will likely be required to have a primary care doctor within the plan’s network. All plans must provide prescription drug coverage.
Have you selected your 2024 Medicare plan?
Maximize your Medicare savings by connecting with a licensed insurance agent. Annual Enrollment is open until December 7th.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part C?

Anyone who is already enrolled in Original Medicare is eligible for Medicare Part C.

To qualify, you must live in the plan’s service area and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawfully present in the U.S. In 2022, the average Medicare beneficiary has access to 39 Medicare Advantage plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Learn more about who's eligible for Medicare Advantage plans from Anne Novak, who is licensed in Life and Annuities, Sickness, Accident and Health by the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

When Can You Enroll?

You can only join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment periods.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare around your 65th birthday. Initial enrollment is a seven-month window that begins three months before your birthday and extends three months after your birth month.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Each year, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, anyone enrolled in any Original Medicare plan can join, switch or drop coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make changes or buy a new policy. New coverage will begin Jan. 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Different from Medicare Open Enrollment, this period applies specifically to people who already have a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. During this period, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare and add a Medicare Part D drug plan.
General Enrollment
If you miss the initial enrollment period for Medicare, you can sign up for Original Medicare from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. Your new coverage will take effect July 1. After signing up for Medicare Parts A and B during this time, you may then enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from April 1 through June 30. Your Medicare Advantage plan coverage will then start on July 1.
3 Minute Quiz: Can You Retire Comfortably?
Take our free quiz & match with a financial advisor in 3 easy steps.
Tailored to your goals. Near you or online.

What Is Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage benefits vary widely from plan to plan.

All Medicare Advantage plans must include:
  • At least the same level of care as Medicare Part A and B
  • Emergency care
  • Urgent care
  • Hospice services

More Medicare Advantage plans now offer additional services, with over 90% of plans offering vision, dental, hearing and fitness, according to a November 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation report.

In 2022, most Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to additional nonmedical supplemental benefits. Some options include coverage for a meal benefit, acupuncture and transportation.

Medicare Advantage plans may cover additional benefits such as:
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Transportation to doctor visits
  • Hearing aids
  • Home modifications
  • Prescription drugs
  • Over-the-counter drugs
  • Adult day care services
  • Wellness programs
Learn why most people tend to stick with their Medicare Advantage plans over time, courtesy of Tom Parkin, a Medicare expert who has more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry.

Costs of Medicare Part C

Most Medicare Advantage plans include a monthly fee, or premium. Some premium-free plans also exist.

The average 2023 Medicare Advantage premium is about $18 a month, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

You must still pay your monthly Part B premium each month in addition to any Medicare Advantage costs.

The Part B premium is $174.70 for 2024.

Higher income households pay more for the Part B premium. Low-income households may qualify for discounts.

Did You Know?
If a plan provider claims your service isn’t medically necessary, you may have to pay all costs out-of-pocket. However, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Never Miss Important News or Updates with Our Weekly Newsletter
Get money-saving tips, hard-to-find info and tactics for a successful retirement in our free weekly newsletter.

Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans give people an alternative to Original Medicare — but Part C comes with some drawbacks.

Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage
Advantages
  • All-in-one inclusive benefit plan
  • May offer no-cost premiums or deductibles
  • May offer dental, vision and hearing benefits
  • Annual limit on out-of-pocket costs
Disadvantages
  • Coverage is limited to in-network providers
  • Plans may cost more than Original Medicare
  • Coverage limited to specific geographical area
  • Can’t be combined with a Medicare supplemental insurance plan
Learn More About the Pros & Cons of Medicare Advantage

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Advantage Plans

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medigap and Medicare Advantage are both designed to fill coverage gaps in Original Medicare. However, you pick either Medigap or Medicare Advantage — you can’t have both. Medigap is only for Original Medicare recipients.
Where can I compare Medicare Advantage plans?
The Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov is the easiest way to compare all the local Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
Can I see any doctor with a Medicare Advantage plan?
Typically, you must use doctors and hospitals in your Medicare Advantage plan network. Seeing a medical professional outside this network will cost you.
Advertisement

Connect With a Financial Advisor Instantly

Our free tool can help you find an advisor who serves your needs. Get matched with a financial advisor who fits your unique criteria. Once you’ve been matched, consult for free with no obligation.

Last Modified: October 20, 2023

15 Cited Research Articles

  1. Centers for U.S. Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023, October 12). 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles
  2. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022, September 29). Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-lower-premiums-medicare-advantage-and-prescription-drug-plans
  3. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022, September 27). 2023 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles 2023 Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2023-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles-2023-medicare-part-d-income-related-monthly
  4. Freed, M. (2022, August 25). Medicare Advantage in 2022: Premiums, Out-of-Pocket Limits, Cost Sharing, Supplemental Benefits, Prior Authorization, and Star Ratings. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-in-2022-premiums-out-of-pocket-limits-cost-sharing-supplemental-benefits-prior-authorization-and-star-ratings/
  5. Freed, M. (2022, August 25). Medicare Advantage in 2022: Enrollment Update and Key Trends. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-in-2022-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/
  6. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021, November 2). Medicare Advantage 2022 Spotlight: First Look. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2022-spotlight-first-look/
  7. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021, September 30). CMS Releases 2022 Premiums and Cost-Sharing Information for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-releases-2022-premiums-and-cost-sharing-information-medicare-advantage-and-prescription-drug
  8. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020, November 6). 2021 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2021-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles
  9. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020, September 24). Trump Administration Announces Historically Low Medicare Advantage Premiums and New Payment Model to Make Insulin Affordable Again for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-historically-low-medicare-advantage-premiums-and-new-payment-model
  10. O’Brien, S. (2019, December 30). Here’s what you need to know about your 2020 Medicare costs. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/30/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-your-2020-medicare-costs.html
  11. Gleckman, H. (2019, October 7). Medicare Advantage Plans Are Expanding Personal Supports and Services For 2020. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2019/10/07/medicare-advantage-plans-are-expanding-personal-supports-and-services-for-2020/#82aff9a5f1b1
  12. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2019, September 24). Trump Administration Drives Down Medicare Advantage and Part D Premiums for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-drives-down-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-premiums-seniors
  13. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all Medicare services. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services
  14. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf
  15. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Doctors, providers and hospitals in Medicare Advantage Plans. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/doctors-providers-hospitals-in-medicare-advantage-plans