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

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are distinct from other Medicare Plans in that they must provide at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, which includes both Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). This means that any Medicare Advantage plan you choose will cover all the essential services that Original Medicare covers, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.

It’s important to note that while MA plans often come with additional benefits not found in Original Medicare, such as vision, hearing, or wellness programs, they are fundamentally required to include everything provided under Original Medicare. This ensures that Medicare beneficiaries have a reliable alternative that maintains the necessary coverage while potentially offering extra services.

In contrast, the other provided choices do not accurately describe Medicare Advantage plans. For instance, they are not exclusive to Medicaid recipients, they do not necessarily provide comprehensive dental services, and they are available in both urban and rural areas, not limited to just urban settings. Understanding this foundational element of Medicare Advantage plans helps clarify the broader function of these plans within the Medicare framework.