1. 15786 POINTS
    Bob VineyardPRO
    Founder, Georgia Medicare Plans, Atlanta,GA
    Medicare is a taxpayer funded health insurance plan (mostly) for people age 65 and older. Some people who are disabled and on Social Security can qualify for Medicare at younger ages.

    Medicare is a reimbursement medical program that does not have doctor or hospital networks.

    Medicare Advantage is a private health care system run by insurance carriers that sub-contract with Medicare to offer health insurance. Most Advantage plans have doctor and hospital networks and high out of pocket. They are great plans as long as you are healthy
    Answered on May 4, 2013
  2. 20 POINTS
    Tim Sipma
    Owner, Sipma Health and Wealth, Des Moines, IA
    Medicare is a federally structured health insurance program for a specific population segment.  There are four different 'parts' to Medicare; Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.  In the simplest terms, Part A deals with inpatient costs and typically is provided without additional cost to the beneficiary.  Part B deals with the costs related with doctors and typically has a premium related to it.  Part D is prescription drug coverage that is administered through private health insurers under strict regulation and has premiums associated.

    Part C is the Medicare Advantage you ask about.  This is an insurance product that is administered through private health insurers under strict regulations through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and covers the same expenses as Parts A and B.    In order to qualify for Medicare Advantage, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B.  Medicare Advantage does not replace your Part A and B, instead it administers your health care under the guidance of CMS.  All Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at a minimum the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and B), but most plans offer additional benefits.  Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer prescription drug coverage (Part D), some do not.  Some Medicare Advantage plans have zero premium, some have premiums.
    Answered on May 4, 2013
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