Medicare Part C

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Quick answer

Medicare Part C, better known as Medicare Advantage, is the part of Medicare law that lets private insurers offer bundled, Medicare-approved plans. Part C combines Part A and Part B, usually adds Part D drug coverage, and is regulated by CMS, which reports about 34 million enrollees in 2026.

Medicare Part C is the official name for Medicare Advantage. Here is what Part C means and how it fits into the Medicare alphabet.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C is the section of federal law that authorizes private companies to offer Medicare Advantage plans. The two terms are interchangeable: Part C is the legal label and Medicare Advantage is the brand name you see in ads. A Part C plan must provide all the benefits of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and most also include Part D (prescription drugs) along with extras like dental and vision. Instead of the government paying your claims, a CMS-approved insurer manages your care through a network. To see Part C plans in your area, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).

How Part C fits with Parts A, B, and D

Medicare has four parts. Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers doctor visits; together they form Original Medicare. Part D covers prescription drugs. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is the private bundle that rolls A, B, and usually D into a single plan. You cannot have Part C without first being enrolled in Parts A and B, and you keep paying your Part B premium. Think of Part C as a different way to receive your Medicare benefits rather than an add-on. A 1-800-MEDIGAP advisor can map out how the parts work for your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Medicare Part C the same as Medicare Advantage?+

Yes. Medicare Part C and Medicare Advantage are identical. Part C is the name written into Medicare law, while Medicare Advantage is the consumer-facing name CMS and insurers use in marketing. Both describe private, Medicare-approved plans that bundle your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage.

Do I need Part A and Part B to get Part C?+

Yes. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B before you can join a Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan, and you continue paying your Part B premium. The Part C plan then provides your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurer instead of the government.

Does Medicare Part C include drug coverage?+

Most Part C plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in, so you don't need a separate drug plan. These are called MA-PD plans. A few Part C plans exclude drug coverage. Always confirm the plan covers your specific medications before you enroll.

How much does Medicare Part C cost?+

Part C plan premiums range from $0 to over $100 monthly, but you always keep paying your Part B premium ($185 in 2026 for most people). You also pay copays and coinsurance when you use care, capped by an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for a personalized cost estimate.

Why is it called Part C?+

It's called Part C because Medicare added it as the third major component after Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) in the alphabet of benefits. Congress created Part C in 1997 to let private insurers offer bundled Medicare plans, later branded Medicare Advantage.

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