What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
With the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, Medicare began to offer many different types of plans including a prescription drug plan (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), like Windsor Medicare Extra. These plans are run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies like Windsor Health Plan. Medicare Advantage plans include all the coverage of Part A and Part B and many include prescription drug coverage (Part D), preventive services and many extra benefits not provided by Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans are managed care plans. That is, the health plan contracts with a group of medical providers (physicians and hospitals, etc.). This group of providers is known as a network. To be covered for a service, you must use a network provider for your care unless it is an emergency. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan:
- You are still enrolled in Medicare
- You are still responsible for paying your monthly Part B premium
- You have agreed to have all your medical care provided by physicians and facilities which belong to the network of the health plan.
With most Medicare Advantage plans, you will choose a primary care physician who is responsible for treating you and coordinating most of your care. You can see your primary care physician anytime you have a need. Regarding out-of-pocket costs, for most services you will be responsible for paying a set amount of money called a copay or copayment for each visit or service.
We encourage you to visit medicare.gov or call a specially trained Windsor Health Plan customer sales representative for more details.