What Is Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage (MA) is a Medicare plan offered by private insurers who contract with the program. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide hospital, outpatient, and, usually, prescription drug coverage, supplanting benefits under Medicare parts A, B, and D.

Anyone who joins an MA plan still has Medicare, and must continue paying Medicare Part B premiums in addition to any charged by the plan.

Medicare Advantage plans typically have lower out-of-pocket choice than traditional Medicare and may offer additional benefits, while requiring members to receive care from providers in their network, and to obtain referrals to see specialists.