Joe Namath Joe Namath is a well-known celebrity athlete who endorses Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, particularly during the fall Medicare open enrollment period (also called the Annual Election Period, or AEP).

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Best Overall AARP/UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealthcare's MA plans - co-branded with AARP - earn high marks for plan quality and member experience.

Together, UnitedHealthcare and Humana account for nearly half (47%) of all Medicare Advantage enrollees nationwide. In nearly a third of counties (32%; or 1,013 counties), these two firms account for at least 75% of Medicare Advantage enrollment.

AARP/UnitedHealthcare AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the most popular Medicare Advantage provider with 28% of all enrollment. Plans are well-rated and have affordable premiums and add-on benefits, a valuable combination that could account for AARP/UHC having the largest number of Medicare Advantage enrollees.

Plan F has the most enrollees overall. But Plan G has the second most enrollees. While these plans are the most popular, it's essential to consider your healthcare needs and not enroll in something just because everyone else has that policy.

Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. In most cases, you can only use doctors who are in the plan's network.

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.

Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. This means you don't have to purchase a separate Part D plan and pay a separate premium. With MA, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of having your hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage rolled up into a single plan.

Together, UnitedHealthcare and Humana account for nearly half (47%) of all Medicare Advantage enrollees nationwide. In nearly a third of counties (32%; or 1,013 counties), these two firms account for at least 75% of Medicare Advantage enrollment.

With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn't cover, like fitness programs (gym memberships or discounts) and some vision, hearing, and dental services (like routine check ups or cleanings).

Medicare HMO and PPO plans differ mainly in the rules each has about using the plan's provider network. In general, Medicare PPOs give plan members more leeway to see providers outside the network than Medicare HMOs do.

You will know if you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan by checking your enrollment status. Your enrollment status shows the name of your plan, what type of coverage you have, and how long you've had it. You can check your status online at www.mymedicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.