Medicare Plans

Can I Choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) Instead of Medicare Parts A & B?

Two Main Choices for How You Get Your Medicare

You can choose between two ways of receiving your Medicare benefits. You can receive your benefits directly through Original Medicare with options for additional insurance, or you can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan that combines your benefits.

Original Medicare is operated by federal government subcontractors. Medicare pays fees for your care directly to the doctors and hospitals you visit.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are private health plans that contract with Medicare. For many people, Medicare Advantage plans are a good value because they can offer health benefits at low or no additional monthly plan premium beyond the Medicare Part B premium. In some parts of the country, there are private health plans that reimburse all or a portion of the Medicare Part B premium.

It should be noted that if you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, you aren't losing your Medicare Parts A & B; rather you're getting Part C where claims are paid by the health plan instead of Medicare.

You can generally join a Medicare Advantage Plan if you meet these conditions:

• You have Medicare Parts A & B
• You live in the service area of the plan
• You don't have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)

Note: In most cases you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan only at certain times during the year. See Medicare Advantage Plan Types and Enrollment Periods for more information.

For help deciding which option is best for you, download our Medicare Decision-Making Guide!

Back to Top | Back to Medicare Plans Home

• When Do I Sign Up for Medicare Parts A & B?
• How Much are Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance Rates?
• Can I Choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) Instead of Medicare Parts A & B?
• Medicare Advantage Plan Types and Enrollment Periods
• Are There Other Kinds of Medicare Health Plans?
• What Are My Options for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)?
• What Are Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Policies?
• Changes Made to Medigap Plans on June 1st, 2010
• Changes Made to Medigap Plans on January 1st, 2020