Medicare Advantage plans are available in many areas of the country. A health insurance company can decide, with Medicare’s approval, that a plan will be available to everyone with Medicare in a state, or be open only in certain counties or parts of counties. A company may also choose to offer more than one plan in an area, with different benefits and costs.

Medicare pays a set amount of money for your care every month to these private health plans (visit Statehealthfacts.org to learn more). In turn, the Medicare Advantage plan manages the Medicare coverage for its members. If Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area, and you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can join one and get your Medicare-covered benefits through the plan. These plans often give you more choices and, sometimes, extra benefits, like extra days in the hospital.

The plan may have special rules that you need to follow. You may also have to pay a monthly premium for the extra benefits.

For more information on Medicare Advantage plans available in your area, please visit the Medicare Health Plans section of www.Medicare.gov.