Who manages the plans for Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is managed by private insurers that are approved by Medicare. These private plans provide Medicare benefits through contracts with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This arrangement allows beneficiaries to receive their Medicare coverage through a combination of Original Medicare A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), along with additional services often covered by private plans such as vision and dental care.

The inclusion of private insurers in the management of Medicare Part C is designed to enhance healthcare options for beneficiaries, allowing them more flexibility in choosing their healthcare providers and plans. Each private insurer develops its own plan structure and benefits, provided that they comply with the federal guidelines established by Medicare. This system creates a competitive marketplace aimed at improving quality and accessibility of care while potentially controlling costs for both the beneficiaries and the program itself.

In contrast, state governments, federal agencies, and health maintenance organizations have distinct roles within the broader healthcare landscape but do not specifically manage Medicare Part C plans as those responsibilities fall directly to the private insurers contracted with Medicare. This structure ensures that private entities bear the operational responsibility while adhering to Medicare's regulatory requirements.