Medicare Part C is referred to as a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage plans are health care plans offered by private insurance companies that provide extra benefits and coverage.

With a Medicare Advantage Plan or ‘MA’ Plan, you use a health insurance card and may be restricted to see certain doctors or hospitals that are a part of your plan. MA Plans include:

 

• Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)

• Private Fee-for-Service Plans

• Medicare Special Needs Plans

 

ESRD patients are only eligible for Medicare Advantage if:

 

• Your MA Plan is offered through your employer or union health plan

• You have had a successful kidney transplant

• You already had a MA Plan if you are over 65

 

ERSD patients are eligible for Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP) if one is available in their area. If you are interested in joining a MA Plan or have questions, you can contact the state health insurance assistance program. You can also contact Medicare at 1(800) 633-4227.