Medicare Advantage Plans
Part C: A Different Path Than Original Medicare
When you first hear about Medicare Advantage, it can sound too good to be true—$0 premiums, built-in drug coverage, even extras like dental or vision. But with so many plans and fine print, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you’re really getting.
That’s why our team takes the time to walk you through the options. Medicare Advantage (also called MAPD when it includes prescription drug coverage) can be a great fit for some, but it’s not right for everyone. What matters most is choosing a plan that actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Before You Choose a Plan
Not all Medicare Advantage plans work the same way—and picking the wrong one could mean surprise bills, limited doctors, or coverage gaps when you least expect it. At Mere, we help you compare the details and avoid common pitfalls, so you can feel confident about the plan you choose.
Here are 6 Types of MAPD Plans:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans In most HMOs, you can only go to doctors in your network (except in an urgent or emergency situation).
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans In a PPO, you pay less if you use doctors in your network. You usually pay more if you go outside of your network.
Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans PFFS plans are similar to Original Medicare in that you can generally go to any doctor as long as they accept the plan’s payment terms. The plan determines how much it will pay and how much you must pay when you get care.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) SNPs provide specialized health care for specific groups of people, like those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, live in a nursing home, or have certain chronic medical conditions.
Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans These plans combine a high-deductible health plan with a bank account. Medicare deposits money into the account (usually less than the deductible). You can use the money to pay for your health care services during the year. MSA plans don’t offer Medicare drug coverage. If you want drug coverage, you have to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) plans HMO plans may allow you to get some services out-of-network for a higher copayment or coinsurance.
Explore Special Medicare Options
Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) Some Medicare Advantage plans are built specifically for individuals managing certain chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD.
Veteran-Focused Plans If you have TRICARE or VA benefits, there may be Medicare Advantage plans designed to work with your military benefits—offering added value, flexibility, and savings.
Get Expert Help Today
Our licensed advisors are ready to answer your questions and guide you toward the right coverage.
What do these plans cost?
Cost will vary along with plan type from county to county. The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with us so that we can review which plans are available in your area and determine if the plans available would offer you additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing benefits. You can also press the "Click to Call" button below to reach us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
For Self-Employed Individuals Exploring Health Insurance Outside the Marketplace
Do you offer Medicare 101 trainings or seminars?
Yes! We regularly host free Medicare 101 webinars and in-person seminars to help you understand your options and get your questions answered.
Check out our Events Page to find an upcoming webinar or seminar near you — and reserve your spot!
What is Medicare and who qualifies for it?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Eligibility typically starts at age 65 based on your work history or your spouse’s.
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare includes:
Part A (hospital coverage)
Part B (medical coverage)
Part C (Medicare Advantage plans that bundle A, B, and often D)
Part D (prescription drug coverage — Learn more about Part D plans here)
Do I have to sign up for Medicare, or is it automatic?
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll usually be enrolled automatically in Part A and Part B. Otherwise, you need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you plan to add prescription coverage, be sure to explore Part D options here.
When should I enroll in Medicare?
Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday.
If you need additional protection beyond Original Medicare, you can learn about Medicare Supplement plans here.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Part A and B) allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private companies and often includes extras like dental, vision, or gym memberships. Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans here.
Do I need a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
Medicare Supplement plans help cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare doesn't pay for.
If you want predictable out-of-pocket costs and nationwide provider access, read about Medicare Supplement options here.
Can I change my Medicare plan later?
Yes! You can:
Review your coverage annually during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7)
Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events You can update your Part D, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage coverage based on your needs.
How do I avoid late enrollment penalties?
Enroll in Part B and Part D when you first become eligible unless you have qualifying employer coverage.
If you skip Part D coverage and don't have creditable drug coverage, you could face a lifelong penalty — Learn more about Part D here.
What if I’m still working past 65?
You might be able to delay Part B and Part D without penalty if your employer coverage qualifies. It's important to understand how that impacts future enrollment in Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans.
How can Mere help me with Medicare?
Our licensed team helps you:
Understand your choices
Compare different plan types
Stay updated year after year We work with most major insurance companies and help you find the Medicare coverage that best fits your needs — at no cost to you.
What is a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP®) — and why does it matter?
A Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP®) has completed advanced, specialized training in Medicare planning and solutions. This certification goes beyond basic licensing, equipping advisors to guide clients with greater expertise, strategy, and care. Choosing a CMIP® ensures you’re working with someone who deeply understands how Medicare fits into your overall retirement and healthcare planning.
Why should I work with Mere for my Medicare coverage?
At Mere, we believe Medicare should be simple, not overwhelming.
Our team is licensed, certified, and continuously trained to stay ahead of changes in Medicare.
We focus on listening first — helping you find the coverage that fits your unique needs.
We offer ongoing support year after year, not just at enrollment.
We work with most major insurance carriers and advocate for your best interest — not just one company’s plan. Our mission is simple: Helping you make informed, confident choices. (And there’s no cost to you for our services!)
Unlock Your Medicare Confidence
Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices?
We created a step-by-step guide to make Medicare — and Social Security — simple.
We created a step-by-step guide to make Medicare — and Social Security — simple.
Inside, you’ll also find access to free bonus tools designed to help you confidently plan your next steps.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent with Mere is contracted with multiple carriers offering Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Enrollment depends on contract renewal. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY:1-877-486-2048) to get information on all your options.
This site is owned and operated by Mere, an independent insurance agency. It is not associated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For official information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.
Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™
DBA, authorizes the use of its trademarks CMIP®, and Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™ to agents that have met Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, DBA administration's initial and ongoing requirements. The Federal Government, CMS, and Medicare do not affiliate with or endorse ANY professional designation, which includes the CMIP® designation.
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