What costs does a Medicare Advantage plan typically cover?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are designed to provide an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. These plans typically cover a range of services that are also covered under Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

Inpatient hospital services are a significant part of what Medicare Advantage plans include, covering services such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and sometimes even home health care. Additionally, these plans often wrap in other healthcare services beyond what Original Medicare covers, such as preventive services, outpatient care, and sometimes even vision, dental, and wellness programs.

By choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, beneficiaries gain the advantage of receiving comprehensive care through a single plan, which generally contains all the essential healthcare needs, making it a more coordinated and often a more cost-effective option for many individuals.

In contrast, some choices incorrectly limit the coverage or misunderstand the scope of services provided by Medicare Advantage plans. For example, specifying only outpatient services or only focusing on prescription drug costs overlooks the broader array of inpatient and other essential healthcare services that are typically included in these plans.