The answer
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is a way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare, instead of through Original Medicare run by the government.
These plans bundle your hospital coverage (Part A) and medical coverage (Part B) into one plan, and most include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing. You still pay your Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026), and the plan may charge its own premium on top, though many plans have a $0 premium. Plans use provider networks and may require you to use certain doctors and hospitals. Coverage, costs, and benefits vary by plan and by where you live.