Dewonkify — Medicare Part C

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance coverage for people who are age 65 or older. Individuals younger than 65 may qualify if they have certain disabilities or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicare is comprised of four parts — Parts A, B, C, and D. Over the next few weeks, Capitol Health Record will dewonkify each of the four parts.

Definition: Medicare Part C is otherwise known as "Medicare Advantage" (formerly "Medicare+Choice"). These are private plans that are approved by Medicare to cover all of the services provided by Part A and Part B. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for items not otherwise covered by Medicare (like hearing aids and eyeglasses).