Medicare Part C Explained

What is Medicare Part C?

Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage plans. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you receive your Medicare coverage through a private insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans work differently from Supplement plans. They combine your Part A Hospital, Part B Medical and, sometimes, Part D Prescription Drug coverage into one easy-to-use plan. Medicare Advantage also gives you extra benefits and services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

What does Medicare Part C cover?

Part C Medicare Advantage plans can give you coverage for:

All services that Medicare Part A and Part B cover, except hospice care (which is covered by Medicare).
Additional benefits and services that Original Medicare does not cover, that can include:
- Routine hearing, dental, and vision exams.
- Hearing aids or glasses (except for glasses following cataract surgery).
- Emergency medical assistance while traveling outside the U.S.
- Fitness memberships.
- An allowance to buy health care products.

How much does Medicare Part C cost?

Your costs when enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) include:

Part A and Part B monthly premiums, if applicable.
Medicare Advantage plan monthly premium, if applicable.
Any out-of-pocket costs such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance (these costs vary according to the plan you choose).

Medicare Advantage plans can have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.

Can I enroll in a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage Plan?

To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States.
Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Learn when to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.
Live for six months or more each year in the plan’s service area.

Why choose UPMC for Life?

UPMC for Life is a Medicare Advantage plan that’s been around for 21 years. We are more than 200,000 members strong and growing!

We offer affordable medical and prescription benefits in one easy-to-use plan. We’re committed to providing you with the high-quality health care and coverage you need so you can live your best life.

Here are just a few benefits you get with UPMC for Life:

Part D prescription drug coverage with $0 copays for preferred generic drugs.
New! The UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card gives you an additional yearly allowance to buy over-the-counter (OTC) products and pay for dental, vision, and hearing services (on most plans).
New! A dental allowance for many dental services, including coverage for dentures (on most plans). Plus, oral exams, cleanings, and x-rays.
A hearing aid exam, a hearing aid fitting, and a discount on the cost of hearing aids.
A routine vision exam and an allowance for contact lenses and frames, now including all lens types, like progressive and transitional.
Free unlimited gym memberships, one free personal training session each year at participating fitness facilities, the option to work out at home with in-home fitness kits, and online fitness classes.
In-network coverage when you travel to Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee (on HMO plans).
Benefits and programs that can help you live healthy and stay independent, such as home safety products, in-home safety assessments, Tools for Caregivers, support for serious illness, post-discharge meals, and more.