Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
Explore All-in-One Medicare Coverage with Extra Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans-also known as Medicare Part C-offer a bundled alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and often include added perks like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. At The HgO Group, we help you understand your options, compare plan features, and enroll in the one that best fits your needs.
You still have Medicare when you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan-but your benefits are managed by the private insurer, not the federal government. We're here to walk you through how that works.
What Is Medicare Advantage & How Does It Work?
Medicare Part C combines the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into one plan, often adding coverage Original Medicare doesn't provide. These plans are offered by private insurers and regulated by Medicare to ensure they meet required standards.
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurance company takes over the administration of your benefits. You'll still be in the Medicare system, but the private plan replaces your Original Medicare as your primary coverage.
There are many types of Advantage plans, including:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
Requires in-network care and a primary doctor
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
Offers more flexibility with provider choice
PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service) and SNP (Special Needs Plans)
Available in specific situations
We help you understand the pros, cons, and local availability of each.
More Coverage, More Benefits
Coverage & Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans
All Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover the same medically necessary services as Original Medicare, but most offer additional features such as:
- Prescription drug coverage (often included, unlike Original Medicare)
- Vision, hearing, and dental benefits
- Fitness or wellness programs (like SilverSneakers)
- Telehealth services
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
Keep in mind: Medicare Advantage plans typically use provider networks. Unlike Original Medicare, you may need to stay in-network or get referrals depending on the plan type. We'll help you weigh flexibility vs. value when selecting a plan.
Low Premiums, Controlled Costs
How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?
Medicare Advantage plans are known for their affordability-many offer $0 monthly premiums beyond what you already pay for Medicare Part B. However, out-of-pocket costs are still part of the picture.
Here's what to expect:
- Premium: Often $0, but you must continue paying your Part B premium
- Copays & Coinsurance: You'll usually pay a fixed amount for services like doctor visits, specialist appointments, and hospital stays
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Each plan includes a yearly limit on your costs (typically $3,000-$7,500), which Original Medicare does not offer
This spending cap provides protection, but choosing the right plan means understanding what's covered-and what you'll owe when you use your benefits.
Coverage for Life and Work
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare + Medigap
Trying to decide between staying with Original Medicare or choosing an Advantage plan? Here's a quick side-by-side:
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- All-in-one plan (Part A, B & often D)
- Lower or $0 premiums
- Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, etc.)
- Copays for services, plus an annual out-of-pocket cap
- Must use provider network (HMO or PPO)
Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
- Choose any doctor or provider that accepts Medicare
- Higher monthly premiums
- More predictable costs
- No dental/vision benefits unless added separately
- No network restrictions
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. We're here to help you compare routes and pick the one that matches your health, lifestyle, and financial goals.
Who's Eligible & When Can You Enroll?
To qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
- Live in the plan's service area
You can enroll:
- During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you first become eligible for Medicare
- During the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 - December 7 each year
- During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 - March 31 (if already enrolled in a MA plan)
Missing the right enrollment window can limit your choices-so let's review your options ahead of time.
Compare Medicare Advantage Plans with Confidence
There are dozens of Medicare Advantage plans available-and they're not all created equal. Whether you're looking for the lowest possible costs, the widest provider network, or specific benefits like vision and dental, our licensed agents can help.
We'll walk you through:
- Plan comparisons by ZIP code
- In-network provider lists
- Premiums, copays, and total costs
- Drug coverage & formulary options