What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a type of health insurance plan offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide all Medicare benefits. This means that individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan receive their Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage through the private carrier rather than directly through the government.

One of the defining features of Medicare Advantage plans is that they often include additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides, such as routine vision and dental care, wellness programs, and even prescription drug coverage (through Medicare Part D). The plans typically have different structures and cost-sharing mechanisms compared to traditional Medicare.

In contrast, the other options describe different facets of healthcare coverage but do not accurately represent what Medicare Advantage entails. For example, a government program for low-income individuals refers to Medicaid, while supplemental insurance for Original Medicare describes Medigap policies. Lastly, a program limited exclusively to dental and vision services does not capture the comprehensive nature of Medicare Advantage plans, which cover a broader range of medical services. Thus, option A correctly encapsulates the essence of what Medicare Advantage is all about.