What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
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 alone. When you enroll in an Advantage plan, the plan provides your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage, and almost always bundles in extras Original Medicare doesn't cover.
Most Advantage plans roll your hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into a single plan with one card — and many add benefits like dental, vision, hearing aids, fitness memberships, and over-the-counter allowances. Premiums vary by plan, and you generally still pay your Part B premium, so compare total costs, not just the premium.
What's included in a Medicare Advantage plan?
- Part A & Part B — your hospital and medical coverage, administered by the plan.
- Prescription drugs (Part D) — built into most Advantage plans, so you don't buy a separate drug plan.
- An annual out-of-pocket maximum — a yearly cap on what you'll pay for covered medical services, something Original Medicare alone doesn't have.
- Extra benefits — many plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness (like SilverSneakers), and OTC allowances. These vary plan to plan.
Who is Medicare Advantage a good fit for?
Advantage plans tend to fit people who want predictable, low monthly costs, like the convenience of bundled benefits, are comfortable using a network of local providers, and want a built-in cap on annual medical spending. If you travel often, see specialists outside your area, or want to keep any doctor nationwide, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may suit you better — and we're happy to compare both.
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare + Medigap
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Original Medicare + Medigap | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Varies by plan (plus Part B) | Higher (Medigap premium + Part B + Part D) |
| Doctor choice | Plan network | Any provider that accepts Medicare |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Copays until you hit the yearly cap | Very low and predictable |
| Drug coverage | Usually built in | Add a separate Part D plan |
| Extra benefits | Dental, vision, hearing often included | Generally not included |
| Best for | Lower monthly cost, bundled benefits | Maximum freedom & predictability |
See your real options side by side
We'll check that your doctors and prescriptions are covered before you enroll — for free.
Get my plan comparisonWhen can you enroll in or switch a Medicare Advantage plan?
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year — change plans for the following year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31 — if you're already in an Advantage plan, you can switch once.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): triggered by moving, losing coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, and other life events — these open year-round.
How Honorbrook helps — at no cost to you
We're an independent agency appointed with 90+ carriers, so we don't push one company's plan. Our help is always free: carriers pay us a commission when we place a policy, and by law your premium is identical whether you use an agent or enroll on your own. The difference is that we compare every option for you, verify your doctors and drugs, explain the tradeoffs in plain English, and answer the phone after you enroll. We're licensed in Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Indiana, and West Virginia — and everything can be handled by phone.