What is the main distinction between Medicare Advantage plans and original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans are indeed distinguished from Original Medicare by the additional benefits they typically offer. While Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) and primarily covers essential medical services, Medicare Advantage plans, which are also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and often include coverage for services that Original Medicare does not include, such as routine dental, vision, and hearing services, as well as wellness programs and sometimes even additional benefits like gym memberships.

This broader range of offerings is designed to provide a more comprehensive health care solution for beneficiaries, allowing them to receive more preventive services and manage their health care in a way that may be more convenient or beneficial for their specific needs. Thus, the distinction lies primarily in the additional benefits available through Medicare Advantage plans compared to the coverage that Original Medicare provides.