Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare that provides all of your hospital (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) benefits.

The most common types of benefit plans are:

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
• PFFS (private fee for service)
• SNPs (Special Needs Plans)
• MSA (Medicare Medical Savings Account)
• Medicare Advantage for Veterans

Medicare Advantage Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same coverage as Original Medicare. However, Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits, such as:

• Dental, vision and hearing coverage
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Transportation for doctor visits
• Fitness memberships and nutrition programs
• Wellness programs
• Adult daycare services

Depending on your area and plan providers, your eligibility for these benefits may vary.

get a free quote

Enrollment Periods

To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you must enroll during one of the following enrollment periods and be enrolled in Original Medicare:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the IEP is your personalized enrollment period. Gives you seven months to enroll in Medicare. This period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: during this time, you can change to a different Advantage plan or cancel the current Advantage plan you have and return to Original Medicare.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): this period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7 of each year. Starting January 1, you can decide what coverage you'd like to have under Part C, or you can change or drop your current coverage.
• Special Election Period (SEP): Your qualification for the SEP will depend on your situation, so you should consult with a Medicare-authorized insurance agent, such as those at Avila Medicare Solutions, before making any decisions. However, in some cases, enrollment during the SEP may apply to you if you move out of your Advantage plan's service area or lose your coverage.