How does Original Medicare differ from Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

• A. Original Medicare includes Part D automatically and requires no private plans.
• B. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is the same as Original Medicare with no extra benefits.
• C. Part C replaces Part A and Part B entirely.
• D. Original Medicare covers Parts A and B through the government; Part C is a private plan option offering additional benefits and often prescription coverage.

Answer: (D)

Original Medicare provides hospital and medical coverage directly through the government as Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is a private plan option that still covers those same A and B benefits, but delivers them through a private insurer and often adds extra features, with prescription drug coverage frequently included. The big distinction is who administers the plan and what additional benefits you might get: Original Medicare is government-run for A and B (with Part D added if you choose), while Part C bundles A, B (and sometimes D) in a private plan that can offer extra services like vision or dental.