What is Medicare Part C also known as?

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage Plans. This designation reflects the structure of these plans, which are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide all the benefits of Parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Medical Insurance). Medicare Advantage Plans often include additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and wellness services, which are not typically covered under Original Medicare.

The Medicare Advantage framework allows for a managed care system, where these plans may require members to use a network of doctors and hospitals, and they often have set co-pays and deductibles, distinguishing them from traditional Medicare. This organized approach to providing healthcare services through private plans is a defining characteristic of Medicare Part C, aligning it closely with what is known as managed care in the broader healthcare domain.

While the other terms provided may refer to different aspects of Medicare or insurance coverage, they do not accurately reflect the specific nature of Medicare Part C. Medicare Supplement Plans, for instance, are intended to complement Original Medicare and cover additional costs, while Medicare Secondary Insurance refers to any insurance that pays after Medicare has processed a claim.