Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage, a private plan that replaces how you receive Part A and Part B benefits, and it often includes extras like dental, vision, and hearing. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage, either as a standalone plan or included in some Medicare Advantage plans.

Part C

Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is offered by Medicare-approved private insurers. It bundles hospital and medical coverage from Original Medicare, and many plans add extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, or fitness perks.

Part D

Part D helps pay for prescription drugs. Each plan has its own formulary, which is the list of covered medications, and costs can vary by drug tier and plan.

Main difference

The simplest way to remember it is this: Part C is a way to get Medicare coverage through a private plan, while Part D is specifically for drug coverage. Some Part C plans already include Part D, but not all do.

Simple example

If you want one plan that may cover hospital, doctor, and sometimes drug benefits plus extras, Part C is the option to look at. If you just need help paying for medications, Part D is the relevant part.

Part What it does Typical provider
Part C Combines Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, often with extra benefits Private Medicare Advantage insurer
Part D Covers prescription drugs Private drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage
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