Understanding Medicare Part C
Learn how to cover what Original Medicare doesn't
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, include both medical (Part A and Part B) and most include a prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage plans also include extras that often aren’t available with other types of Medicare plans.
How it works
Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, so your hospital and medical coverage are provided under one plan.
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be eligible for Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B.
What it helps cover
You get all the benefits of Original Medicare plus “extras” Medicare does not cover. Plans may offer benefits for:
- Dental
- Vision
- Hearing
- Acupuncture
- Over-the-counter items and more
What you pay
- You must continue to pay your Part B premium in addition to any monthly premium for the Medicare Advantage plan
- You’ll also pay a portion of some costs, but can save money when you use providers that are in your plan’s network
- Your Medicare Advantage plan may lower your costs or make your costs more predictable with set copays for some services. You may also have an out-of-pocket maximum for the year.
Metro Region
Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright
West Region
Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Brown, Cass, Chippewa, Clay, Clearwater, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lake of the Woods, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Murray, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Roseau, Stearns, Swift, Todd, Wadena, Wilkin
South Region
Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, Winona
Medicare Advantage plans are usually one of the following:
- Preferred provider organization (PPO): Allows you to see any network provider without a referral. You also have to live in the service area.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Private plans that the federal government pays to administer Medicare benefits.
- Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD): Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D prescription drug coverage
What is a Medicare Advantage plan
What you should know
PPOs offer more flexibility and choice
PPOs offer more flexibility and choice by offering a broad network of providers, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists in the network.
Benefits and provider networks differ
Benefits and provider networks differ from plan to plan because coverage is offered by private health insurance companies.
Travel for up to twelve months
You can travel for up to twelve months in the United States and receive in-network coverage for medically necessary services from any provider that accepts Medicare assignment.
Cost plans
Medicare Cost plans
How it works
Medicare Cost plans provide additional coverage to help pay for expenses Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Some Cost plans also offer optional Part D prescription drug coverage.
To be eligible for a Cost plan, you must be eligible for Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B.
What it helps cover
- Medicare Cost plans include all the benefits of Original Medicare and help pay the deductibles, copays and coinsurance Original Medicare doesn’t cover
- If you choose to include prescription drug coverage, your plan also helps pay the cost of your medications
What you pay
Costs vary depending on the plan you choose. You must continue to pay your Part B premium, along with monthly Medicare Cost plan premiums, copays and coinsurance.
Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Goodhue, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Le Sueur, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Pine, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, Sibley, St. Louis, Stevens, Traverse, Yellow Medicine
Note: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are not offered in these counties.
What you should know
In-network providers
Typically, you can see any in-network provider without a referral. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you may only receive Original Medicare coverage for those services.
Travel for up to nine months
You can travel for up to nine months in the United States and receive in-network coverage for medically necessary services from any provider that accepts Medicare assignment.
Costs incurred under the travel benefit
Costs incurred under the travel benefit apply toward your out-of-pocket maximum.
Support and resources
It doesn't have to be hard
Our Blue Cross Advisors are here to:
- Help you learn about Medicare basics and our plans
- Assist you in finding a plan that meets your needs
- Help you enroll in a plan
Understanding Medicare
Use this free step-by-step guide to learn about the essentials of Medicare. It covers the four parts of Medicare, when to enroll, how to avoid penalties and more.
Download Step-by-Step Guide — English (coming soon)
Download Step-by-Step Guide — Spanish (coming soon)
Free Medicare Workshops
Join us for a free, no obligation, in-person or virtual Medicare workshop to learn about Medicare and available plans based on the county you live in.
Blue Cross offers Cost, PPO, and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal.
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