What is Medicare Part C?

If you know what Medicare parts A and B are, then you should have a fairly good idea of what Medicare Part C is. Essentially, part C is a way to combine all of the medical benefits typically received through parts A and B, but in one single policy. There can be big differences in what is actually covered and the rates you have to pay, depending on where you live and the provider you select.

There are four parts to the U. S. Medicare plan. Part A will only cover hospital stays or other types of extended care for serious inpatient operations or illnesses. Part B is the regular medical care that includes all doctors visits, routine exams and tests, sick visits, or even outpatient hospital services.

A plan under Medicare Part C will take all of that coverage and combine it into one policy that should be simpler to use and manage. The difference is that these plans are offered through independent insurance companies, rather than through the government directly. Of course, there are still government provisions as to the basic coverage that must be offered through Medicare Part C.

It is best to compare rates for similar policies, just as you would do with any other type of insurance premium quote. There can be hundreds of dollars of difference between the rate offered from one company to another. It all depends on where you live and the coverage each plan is offering.

For example, some plans will include extra prescription medication coverage, even though that is typically section D under the Medicare plan. This is why you have to consider the terms being offered as well as the premium amount when you compare prices.

You could find a Medicare Part C policy for $30 or as high as $250, depending on what is available where you live and the different providers you consider. This makes it more complicated than the regular Medicare program, but you can get more coverage for less money.