➤ What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a way to get your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurer approved by Medicare. Most Part C plans also include Part D drug coverage, and many may add dental, vision and hearing benefits.
➤ What is the average Medicare Part C premium for 2027?
The average Medicare Advantage premium for 2027 is $12 a month, down from $14.37 in 2026, according to CMS. You still pay your Part B premium, and plan premiums vary widely by county. Many plans may charge more or less than the average.
➤ How many people have Medicare Part C?
CMS projects about 34 million people will be enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2027, about 47% of everyone with Medicare. There are about 5,532 Medicare Advantage plans nationwide for 2027. Check the plans offered in your own county before comparing.
➤ Is Medicare Part C the same as Medicare Advantage?
Yes, Medicare Part C and Medicare Advantage are the same thing. Part C is the official name in Medicare law, and Medicare Advantage is the name most people and insurers use. Both names describe plans run by private insurers approved by Medicare.
➤ Does Medicare Part C include drug coverage?
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage. For 2027, a plan’s drug deductible can be up to $700 and the out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs is $2,400, so check each plan’s formulary. Some plans, such as certain PPOs or private fee-for-service plans, may not include drugs.
➤ Do I still pay the Part B premium with Part C?
Yes, you keep paying your Part B premium when you join a Medicare Advantage plan. The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90, and the 2027 premium is projected at $209.50, with the official amount announced in November.
➤ What is the out-of-pocket maximum in Part C?
Every Medicare Advantage plan has a yearly out-of-pocket maximum for covered medical care, which Original Medicare does not have. Once you reach it, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
➤ Can I have Part C and Medigap?
No, Medigap cannot be used with Medicare Advantage. If you join a Part C plan, a Medigap policy would not pay any of your costs, so people choose either Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with Medigap.
➤ When can I join Medicare Part C?
You can join during your Initial Enrollment Period or during Annual Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Members can also make one change from January 1 to March 31, 2027.
