Medicare Part C is the Medicare Advantage program. Part C gives you an alternative way to get your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) benefits.
So, you could say that Part C = Part A + Part B.
Medicare Advantage plans are available through private, Medicare-approved health insurance companies. It’s common for Medicare Advantage plans to include prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D. These are sometimes called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans.
When it comes to Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans, you could say that Part C = Part A + Part B + Part D.
Under Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage plans can also offer extra benefits, like routine dental services or membership in fitness programs.
Reference: https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/about-medicare-articles/understanding-medicare-part-c-and-part-d/
Medicare Part D is the Medicare prescription drug coverage program. Medicare Part D is optional coverage and you can get it from private, Medicare-approved insurance companies in a couple of different ways.
- If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and/or Part B, you can sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- If you’d rather enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (described below), chances are you can get Medicare Part D coverage through your Medicare Advantage plan.
Reference: https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/about-medicare-articles/understanding-medicare-part-c-and-part-d/
Medicare Supplement plans (also known as Medigap) are supplemental insurance— not a substitute for — your Original Medicare coverage. They are designed to help pay what Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) don’t pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private health insurance companies.
Reference: https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/medicare-supplement-articles/what-are-medicare-supplement-plans/
