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An option Medicare beneficiaries can choose to receive most or all of their Medicare benefits through a private insurance company. Also known as Medicare Part C. Plans contract with the federal government and are required to offer at least the same benefits as original Medicare, but may follow different rules and may offer additional benefits. Unlike original Medicare, enrollees may not be covered at any health care provider that accepts Medicare, and may be required to pay higher costs if they choose an out-of-network provider or one outside of the plan's service area. These plans are regulated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Browse Related Terms: Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plan, Health Maintenance Organization, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), In-Network provider, Managed Care, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Select Plans, Out-of-network provider, Point of Service (POS) Plans, Point-of-Service Plan (POS), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Primary Care Physician (PCP), Referral, Third-Party Payer