Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a partnership between Medicare and private insurance companies. ie Aetna, Cigna, UHC etc.

Here's how it works:

• Medicare funds: Medicare pays a set amount to private insurers for each enrollee. This amount is used by the insurance companies to manage and deliver Medicare-covered services.

• Private insurers: These companies administer the Medicare benefits, offering at least the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), but often include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage (Part D).

• Plan flexibility: Private insurers design the specific details of each Medicare Advantage plan, including premiums, copays, and network rules. While Medicare sets certain standards, the insurance companies have flexibility in creating plans that cater to different needs, often with lower premiums and added benefits.

• Network requirements: Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans often require you to stay within a network of doctors and hospitals, and may have more rules like needing referrals for specialists.

In summary, Medicare Advantage

works through private insurers to provide comprehensive, often lower-cost coverage, with added benefits, while Medicare covers a portion of the costs.