What must patients be enrolled in to qualify for Medicare Part C benefits?

To qualify for Medicare Part C, often referred to as Medicare Advantage, patients must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, while Part B covers medical insurance. Part C is a bundled alternative that includes benefits from both Part A and Part B, and it may also offer additional services such as vision and dental coverage, which are not included in traditional Medicare. This structure allows beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through a private health plan, meaning they are required to already have the foundational coverage provided by Parts A and B to gain access to Medicare Part C benefits. Thus, being enrolled in both parts is essential for eligibility in the Medicare Advantage plans.