Is Medicare Advantage the same as Part B?

Asked by: Holly Stehr  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (45 votes)

Medicare Advantage (also known as “Part C”) is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't.

Is Medicare Advantage considered Medicare Part B?

Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It's an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision. Hearing.

Why do doctors not accept Medicare Advantage plans?

Many doctors are declining to accept Medicare's payment for services because of the government program's low reimbursement rates, strict rules, and onerous administrative process. Most of the time, Medicare only gives doctors 80% of what commercial health insurance does. I sincerely hope I was of assistance.

Do I still pay for Medicare Part B if I have Medicare Advantage?

If I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan, do I still have to pay my Medicare Part B premium? Yes. You must pay your Medicare Part B premium when enrolled in either type of plan.

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is that you have fewer doctors to choose from when you get medical care.
  • Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
  • With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.

The Difference Between Medicare and Medicare Advantage

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Why do people not like Medicare Advantage?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

Do all hospitals accept Medicare Advantage plans?

While most hospitals do accept Original Medicare, there may be some that do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans. However, if you have a medical emergency while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can seek care at any ER or hospital in the country.

Why are hospitals dropping Medicare Advantage plans?

Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

What is the downside of a Medicare Advantage plan?

Many people choose MA plans for their extra benefits and out-of-pocket limits. But MA plans have some potential disadvantages. They have smaller provider networks and often require prior authorization. And with an MA plan, you won't have access to Medigap supplement insurance to cover your out-of-pocket costs.

Is there a Medicare plan that pays 100%?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Health systems and hospitals are also making the decision to cancel contracts due to excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. Already 27 health systems have canceled their Medicare Advantage contracts this year.

Why do healthcare workers not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Many doctors and healthcare physicians don't like Medicare Advantage plans due to coverage restrictions, limited networking, and overpayment rates, which cause increasing difficulties for patients. Since pre-authorization and referral requirements often impede patients' needs, doctors refuse to accept these plans.

Why do seniors choose Medicare Advantage?

People with Medicare are drawn to Medicare Advantage for the extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, like reduced cost-sharing, dental coverage, gym memberships and debit cards for over-the-counter medical supplies that are not covered by traditional Medicare.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Does Medicare cover dental?

In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.