What does Medicare Type C cover?

Asked by: Katheryn Vandervort  |  Last update: September 27, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

Medicare Advantage (MA), also called Medicare Part C, are private insurance plans offered by Medicare-approved companies. Medicare Advantage plans provide most of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage and typically offer extra benefits such as vision, hearing and dental care.

What does the Medicare C cover?

What Does Medicare Part C Cover?
  • Routine dental care including X-rays, exams, and dentures.
  • Vision care including glasses and contacts.
  • Hearing care including testing and hearing aids.
  • Wellness programs and fitness center memberships.

What is Medicare Type C?

Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).

What is the difference between Medicare A Medicare B and Medicare C?

Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information). Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

Can I get Medicare Part C for free?

The cost of Medicare Part C plans (also known as Medicare Advantage plans) varies depending on where you live and the plan you choose. Some plans have $0 monthly premiums. You still have to pay your Part A and Part B monthly premiums.

What Does Medicare Part C Cover? | Medicare Advantage

36 related questions found

Why do the elderly need Part C of Medicare?

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) allows older adults to get their Medicare benefits through private plans. In other words, if you have Medicare Advantage, you still have Medicare; you just receive your Part A and Part B coverage a different way.

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.

Do I have to pay for Medicare Part B if I have Part C?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

You must keep paying your Part B premium to stay in your plan. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join.

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.

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.

Does Medicare Part C cover dental?

Under Medicare Part C, some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans may cover and pay for routine and other dental services as an added benefit. Patients can check with their MA plan to find out what dental services it covers.

What does part C cover under Medicare?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer all the benefits of Original Medicare Part A and Part B, plus additional coverage like: Most Part C plans include Prescription drug coverage (Part D) Routine dental care including cleanings, X-rays, and dentures. Routine vision care including contacts and glasses.

What are 3 services not covered by Medicare?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

What blood tests does Medicare not cover for seniors?

It's important to know that Medicare won't cover any blood test if it isn't medically necessary. If you seek a blood test on your own, it's unlikely you'll get it covered. Tests not covered may include those for employment purposes, wellness screenings, or routine monitoring without medical necessity.

Why is Medicare Part C so cheap?

Medicare Advantage plans differ in coverage and costs, even those sponsored by the same insurance company. Some plans even have $0 premiums or $0 deductibles, though all require you to still pay your Part B premium. (Medicare Advantage plans are partially funded by Medicare, which is why costs are so low.)

Is Medicare Part C good for seniors?

Advantage plans (also called Part C), on the other hand, provide the benefits of Parts A, B, and often D, usually for about the same amount, with lower copays, so there's no need for Medigap. Some also offer benefits not in Original Medicare, such as fitness classes or some vision and dental care.

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.

Who qualifies for free Medicare Part C?

What is Medicare Part C eligibility? To be Medicare Part C eligible, a person must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and a resident of the Medicare Advantage plan's service area.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

What is the two midnight rule for Medicare Advantage?

The two-midnight presumption directs medical reviewers to select Original Fee-for-Service Medicare Part A claims for review under a presumption that hospital stays that span two midnights after an inpatient admission are reasonable and necessary Part A payment.