Main Street Financial Partners - What is Medicare Advantage Plan Part C
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What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C)?

Understanding How Medicare Advantage (Part C) Works and the Benefits for Residents of Lehigh Valley, Northampton, Bucks, Montgomery & Berks Counties

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies in partnership with Medicare. It combines the coverage of Original Medicare (Parts A & B) into one comprehensive health plan for easier management and added benefits.

At Main Street Financial Partners, we help residents across Allentown, Bethlehem, Whitehall, Easton, Coopersburg, Saucon Valley, and Center Valley, as well as surrounding areas throughout the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Berks County.

Our team helps you understand your Medicare Advantage options, compare plan types, and find the best coverage for your healthcare needs.

Understanding How Medicare Advantage Works

Medicare Advantage Plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, except for hospice care, which remains covered under Part A. To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must:

  • Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
  • Continue paying your Part B premium
  • Live within the plan’s service area


Participation is voluntary, but many choose it for convenience and added benefits. Private insurers offering these plans are approved by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and often include:

  • Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
  • Lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
  • Additional services such as vision, dental, hearing, or travel coverage

Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?

The popularity of Medicare Advantage continues to grow. Enrollment nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020, rising from 17% to over 36% of all Medicare beneficiaries, representing more than 24 million enrollees.

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage depends on your personal healthcare needs, lifestyle, and preferred network flexibility.

Why Many Choose Medicare Advantage Plans

  • Consolidated coverage under one plan
  • Predictable out-of-pocket costs
  • Additional benefits not offered by Original Medicare
  • Access to local provider networks
  • Potentially lower overall healthcare expenses


If you value convenience and comprehensive coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan could be the right choice for you.

Types of Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan

There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans, each offering unique benefits and levels of flexibility.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

Require members to use a network of approved healthcare providers. Referrals are typically needed to see specialists.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans

Offer flexibility to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers though in-network care usually costs less.

Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans

Determine how much the plan pays providers and how much you pay when receiving care. Providers must agree to the plan’s payment terms.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

Designed for individuals with specific medical conditions or financial needs. These plans tailor coverage, networks, and drug formularies for specialized care.

Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans

Combine a high-deductible health plan with a medical savings account that Medicare funds annually. You can use this money to pay for qualified healthcare expenses.

Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs)

Created for individuals who live in or are expected to live in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

Selecting the right plan depends on your healthcare priorities, preferred providers, and budget.

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage Plans

To qualify for Medicare Advantage (Part C), you must already be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and reside in the plan’s service area.

Special Eligibility Considerations

  • Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) were historically limited, but most can now enroll under updated CMS rules.
  • If you have employer or union health coverage, speak with your benefits administrator before enrolling to avoid conflicts or loss of existing coverage.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods

Medicare Advantage enrollment is time-sensitive and follows specific periods each year.

Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)

A seven month window beginning three months before your 65th birthday, including your birthday month and ending three months after. This is the ideal time to enroll if you’re new to Medicare.

Annual Election Period (AEP)

Held annually from October 15 to December 7, this period allows you to:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
  • Change or drop a plan
  • Add prescription drug coverage

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

From January 1 through March 31, individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can:

  • Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
  • Return to Original Medicare
  • Add standalone Part D coverage if needed

Special Election Periods (SEPs)

Life changes may qualify you for a SEP outside the normal enrollment windows, including:

  • Moving out of your plan’s service area
  • Qualifying for Extra Help with prescription drug costs
  • Moving into or out of a nursing home or assisted living facility

Get Personalized Help Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

Selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan involves more than comparing prices, it’s about matching coverage to your unique health and lifestyle needs.

The advisors at Main Street Financial Partners provide personalized Medicare guidance for residents throughout the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Berks County, helping you evaluate plan options and enroll with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

It bundles Part A and Part B—and often Part D—into one plan offered by private insurers approved by Medicare.

Advantage includes all Original benefits and may add dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and other extras.

You must have Parts A & B, live in the plan’s service area, and continue paying your Part B premium.

Most do (MAPD), but some do not. Always check the plan’s drug coverage and formulary.

HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP, MSA, and I-SNP, each with different rules for networks, referrals, and costs.

Costs vary. You pay the Part B premium plus any plan premium and cost-sharing (copays/coinsurance).

IEP/ICEP (around 65), AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7), OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31), or a qualifying SEP.

Yes, during OEP or a qualifying SEP. You can add standalone Part D and consider Medigap.

Often in HMOs; PPOs usually don’t require referrals but encourage in-network care for lower costs.

We compare networks, benefits, costs, and drug coverage to match you with the right Medicare Advantage plan.

Client Testimonials

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Jane H.
"After working with Elizabeth Snyder, owner of Main Street Financial for approximately 2 years, I wanted to share my experience for anyone considering their services. I have found Elizabeth’s knowledge base of risk vs. benefit in regards to financial planning to be extremely helpful and appreciated her recommendations of varying options for my particular needs to be spot on. Her knowledge base of the market has provided me with confidence for my long-term plan and I feel assured their advice and fiduciary commitment is focused on my best interest and not theirs.  Additionally, I would be amiss to not mention members of her team Bethany and Nancy, who create a strong backbone and presence in the company."
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The Right Medicare Plan Starts with the Right Guidance.

Our licensed advisors take the guesswork out of Medicare by helping you evaluate your coverage, avoid costly gaps, and choose the plan that fits your health and budget best.