Which statement best describes Part C?

• A. Part C refers to Medicare Advantage, a private plan that provides Part A and Part B benefits, often with additional benefits.
• B. Part A is private insurance purchased by individuals.
• C. Part D provides prescription drug coverage only.
• D. Part B provides hospital-only coverage.

Answer: (A)

Part C, Medicare Advantage, is a plan offered by private companies approved by Medicare that provides the Part A hospital and Part B medical benefits through a single, private-plan arrangement. These plans replace the original Medicare coverage for those benefits and often add extras beyond what Original Medicare covers, such as additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs. Some Part C plans also include prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. When you enroll, you still have the Part B base, and you may pay an additional plan premium and follow the plan’s rules, including network restrictions and cost-sharing differences.

The other statements mix up what each part covers: Part A is hospital insurance under Original Medicare, not private insurance purchased by individuals; Part D provides prescription drug coverage (typically separate from Parts A and B, unless a plan bundles it); Part B covers medical services and outpatient care, not hospital-only coverage.