Medicare Advantage
Part C — private HMO/PPO plans that replace Original Medicare, often with $0 premium.
Full explanation
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. MA plans replace Original Medicare with an HMO or PPO that's funded partially by the federal government — that's why monthly premiums are often $0 beyond your standard Part B premium. Most MA plans bundle Part D drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing. Trade-offs vs. Medigap: network restrictions, prior authorization, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum (up to $9,350 in-network). Healthy enrollees who don't travel and want $0 premium often pick MA; high-utilization patients and travelers usually pick Medigap.
📎 Primary source: official source
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