What is a Medicare Advantage plan? Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies - like Humana - contracted by the federal government.

Medicare Advantage Plans must offer emergency coverage outside of the plan's service area (but not outside the U.S.). Many Medicare Advantage Plans also offer extra benefits such as dental care, eyeglasses, or wellness programs. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

One of the biggest differences between Part C plans and Original Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) is that Medicare Advantage often has limited networks of doctors and hospitals and charges you more to see out-of-network providers - if you're allowed to see them at all.

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.

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 Supplement Plan G is the best overall plan that provides great coverage for seniors and Medicare enrollees. Plan G will cover almost everything except the Medicare Part B deductible, which is only $226 for 2023.

Lower out of pocket costs Under Medicare Advantage, each plan negotiates its own rates with providers. You may pay lower deductibles and copayments/coinsurance than you would pay with Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans have deductibles as low as $0.

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.

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.

Yes, you can elect to switch to traditional Medicare from your Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Your coverage under traditional Medicare will begin January 1 of the following year.

• Best Medicare Advantage Plans and Providers of 2023.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Humana.
• Aetna.
• UnitedHealthcare.
• Cigna.
• Anthem.
• Methodology: How We Picked the Best Medicare Advantage Providers of 2023.

No, you can't switch Medicare Advantage plans whenever you want. But you do have options if you're unhappy with your plan. You can jump to another plan or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and change to original Medicare during certain times each year.