Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. It combines the benefits of Part A, Part B, and Part D into a single, managed care plan like an HMO or PPO. Since most Part C plans also include prescription drug coverage, there may be no need to buy Part D drug coverage. You pay a monthly premium for a Part C plan.

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. It combines the benefits of Part A, Part B, and Part D into a single, managed care plan like an HMO or PPO. Since most Part C plans also include prescription drug coverage, there may be no need to buy Part D drug coverage. You pay a monthly premium for a Part C plan.

Medicare Part D is the program that covers drugs prescribed by a doctor. This does not include over-the-counter drugs that you can buy without a prescription.

The term ‘Medigap' refers to the fact that there is usually a ‘gap' between what your bills are and what Medicare pays. Like any insurance, there are deductibles and co-pays, as well as rates for services that may be higher than what Medicare allows, or things Medicare doesn't cover.