What is required for an individual to enroll in Medicare Part C?

To enroll in Medicare Part C, which is also known as Medicare Advantage, an individual must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. This requirement is pivotal because Medicare Part C is designed to provide an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits, often through private insurance companies. These plans combine the coverage of both Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) and often include additional benefits.

Individuals must first be eligible for Medicare, which generally includes those who are 65 years of age or older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions. However, simply meeting the age eligibility requirement or possessing a special enrollment period does not suffice for enrollment in Part C. It is essential to have active enrollment in both Parts A and B to take full advantage of the integrated benefits provided by a Medicare Advantage plan. This means that options focusing solely on age or other factors do not meet the necessary enrollment criteria for Part C.