What Is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C also called Medicare Advantage Plan (MA Plan) is offered by private companies approved by Medicare and is an alternative to Original Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans can include Part D prescription drugs. Moreover, MA Plans may cover extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
Medicare Part C Coverage & Cost
Medicare Part C hospital coverage includes inpatient care in a hospital and skilled nursing facility. Furthermore, it includes hospice and home health care. In addition to hospital coverage, Part C medical coverage includes doctor visits, preventive screenings, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment.
To enroll in Part C, you need to first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. Beneficiaries new to Medicare starting January 1, 2020 must pay Part B monthly premiums. The standard Part B premium is $164.90 in 2023. You may also have to pay Part C premiums, which may include prescription drug coverage.
How Senior Healthcare Direct Can Help You Get Coverage
When it comes to Medicare Part C coverage, it can be hard to know if it’s the right choice. Our experienced professionals at Senior Healthcare Direct can help you shop and compare Medicare Advantage (MA) plans . Let our licensed agents help you find an MA plan with the coverage and cost that is right for you.
We can also help you apply for Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D. Each type of coverage offers additional protections for you. Medicare Part A offers hospital coverage; Part B focuses on outpatient medical care; and Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage Vs Original Medicare
Medicare Part C Hospital Coverage
Your Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) includes the following types of Hospital Coverage:
Hospital Inpatient Care
Skilled Nursing Facility Inpatient Care
Hospice Care
Home Health Care
What Is Medicare Part C Coverage For Hospital Care?
When you are admitted to the hospital as an inpatient and the hospital accepts Medicare, then Part C pays for your “room and board” in the hospital. The Medicare Advantage Plan is going to pay for a semi-private hospital room with a bed for you, three meals per day, and the nurse that visits you. In addition, MA Plans pays for medications furnished to you by the hospital and any necessary lab services or medical supplies.
Medicare Part C Medical Coverage
In addition to hospital coverage, Medicare Part C includes the following Medical Coverage:
Doctor Visits
Preventive Screenings
Mobility Equipment
Your Medicare Part C medical coverage is for stays at any hospital or medical facility for less than 24 hours (even if your stay occurs overnight). As part of your Medicare Advantage plan, it covers medically necessary services and supplies to treat your health condition.
For example, Part C includes outpatient preventive services such as your annual flu shot and annual wellness visit to prevent illness. Furthermore, Medicare Part C covers medical screening tests such as cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer screenings to detect your health conditions early so treatment is most effective.
Medicare Advantage plans also cover ambulance services and durable medical equipment.
Medicare Part C covers ground ambulance transportation when you need to be transported to a hospital, critical access hospital, or skilled nursing facility. However, your Medicare Advantage plan will only cover ambulance service to the nearest appropriate medical facility that is able to provide for your medical needs. In addition, your MA plan may pay emergency ambulance transportation in an airplane or helicopter to a hospital if you need rapid medical transport.
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