Which of the following defines a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan?

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are defined as health plan options that are approved by Medicare and provided through private insurance companies. This means that while Medicare itself is a federal program, MA plans allow beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through an alternative route that private insurers offer, which may include additional services beyond what Original Medicare provides.

The emphasis on being approved by Medicare is crucial because it ensures that these plans meet specific standards and regulations set forth by the government. Additionally, private insurance companies design these plans, often with various added benefits such as vision or dental coverage, which is not typically available in Original Medicare.

Furthermore, MA plans are not limited to specific age groups or endorsed solely by state approvals; rather, they cater primarily to individuals eligible for Medicare, typically those aged 65 and older, but can also include certain younger individuals with disabilities. Therefore, the accurate and comprehensive understanding of Medicare Advantage plans focuses on the relationship with Medicare and the role of private insurers in delivering these managed care plans.