Got Part A & B? 2 Options!
Quick Links:
Part C Eligibility – Part C Apply – Part C Cover – Part C Cost – Part C Enrollment – Part C Key Differnce
Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D (Drug Coverage) are optional, privately run plans that provide alternatives or additions to Original Medicare. Part C combines Part A and B into one plan and can feature added benefits like vision and dental. Part D provides specific prescription drug coverage and can be added to Original Medicare. Individuals can be enrolled in one or both, Part A and/or Part B, and can select Part C or Part D.
Medicare Advantage, or also known as Medicare Part C (MAPD), is a bundled Medicare plan (bundling Part A and Part B) offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These private companies work with Medicare and add Dental, Vision, Rx, and hearing care, (these services Original Medicare does NOT cover.
Medicare regularly pays a fixed amount for your health expenses to the companies offering private Medicare advantage plans. These companies follow the rules set by Medicare that can change each year.
Part C Eligibility:
To enroll in Medicare part C a person needs to meet two eligibility conditions:
- Currently enrolled in Original Medicare both Parts A orand B
- Reside where the insurance provider offers the coverage that they require.
When to apply:
- Apply for a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (7-month window around age 65),
- The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), or
- If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (like moving or losing coverage). You must have Medicare Parts A and B to join
Medicare Part C covers:
- A Medicare Advantage Plan covers everything that is included in Part A and Part B
- Already includes, Dental, Vision, Rx, and hearing care
Medicare Part C Costs:
In 2026, Colorado Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD) are normally $0-premium plans. While premiums are low, costs vary by county and plan, with potential for $0 copays on primary care and caps on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Some plans especially PPO’s might have a monthly premium depending on the service area.
Medicare Part C Enrollment:
Medicare C enrollment period (IEP) starts from 3 months before a person turns 65. During this period, a person can get enrolled in:
- Medicare Parts A and B
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.
Key Differences Between Part C & D?
- Part C = MAPD
- provides an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare
- Part D = PDP (Rx)
- covers medications and can be added to Original Medicare as a stand alone prescription plan.
- Part C is the most popular
Medicare Advantage, or also known as Medicare Part C, is a bundled Medicare plan offered by private insurance companies. These private companies work with Medicare and make sure they provide full benefits to all beneficiaries.
In a Medicare Advantage plan, private insurance companies work with Medicare to offer parts A and B medicare plans with some additional services called “Part C.”
A recent survey proved that 34% of all people with Medicare also have are enrolled with Medicare Advantage plans such as HMO or PPO.
Medicare regularly pays a fixed amount for your health expenses to the companies offering private Medicare advantage plans. These companies follow the rules set by Medicare that can change each year.
A variety of options to choose from when you opt for the Medicare C plan as:
- Special needs plans
- Medicare medical savings account plans
- Private fee-for-service plans
- Health maintenance organization plans
- Preferred provider organization plans
Medicare Part C covers:
A Medicare Advantage Plan covers everything that is included in Part A and Part B.
Medicare Part C Costs
Various factors determine the Medicare Part C costs, including deductibles, copayments, premiums, and coinsurance.
There are also various costs associated with Medicare Part C plans, including:
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- Co-pays
- Coinsurance
Medicare Part C Enrollment
Medicare C enrollment period (IEP) starts from 3 months before a person turns 65. During this period, a person can get enrolled in:
- Medicare Parts A and B
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Medicare Part C Eligibility
To enroll in Medicare part C a person needs to meet two eligibility conditions:
- Currently enrolled in Original Medicare both Parts A and B
- Reside where the insurance provider offers the coverage that they require.
- This plan is also available during its application or enrollment period.