Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans are provided by private insurance companies, which means that cost varies by provider, type of plan, and location.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) are different insurance options with different costs. Medicare Part C might be a good option if you’re eligible for Original Medicare but want additional coverage for prescription drugs and other services.
Several factors determine Medicare Part C costs, such as:
- premiums
- deductibles
- copayments
- coinsurance
These amounts can range from $0 to hundreds for monthly premiums and yearly deductibles.
Most of your Medicare Part C costs will be determined by your chosen plan. However, your lifestyle and financial situation can also have an effect on your costs. Read on for everything you need to know about Part C-associated costs.
While some Part C plans don’t have a monthly premium, others do. According to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.
Even with a zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan, you may still owe the Part B premium. That said, some Part C plans may cover your Part B premium.
In addition, Medicare Part C plans have a plan deductible and a drug deductible if the plan includes drug coverage. As with premiums, some plans may offer a $0 plan deductible.
When the deductible is greater than zero, you’ll need to meet this amount first before your plan will offer coverage. Once it does, your plan usually covers a certain percentage of the cost; the rest comes from your pocket. as copayments or coinsurance.
Managing Part C costs
One of the first things you can do to manage your Medicare Part C costs is to read through the following annual notices from your plan:
These notices can help you determine exactly what costs you’ll pay out of pocket for your plan and any price changes that will take effect the following year.
While Original Medicare covers services nationwide, most Medicare Advantage plans are location-based. If you travel often, you may find yourself stuck with out-of-town medical bills.
Other factors that can affect costs include:
- Plan type: Your plan can also impact how much your Medicare Part C plan may cost. For example, if you’re on an HMO or PPO plan but choose to visit an out-of-network provider, this can increase your costs.
- Spending limit: All Part C plans have an out-of-pocket maximum. This amount varies, but according to one 2021 study, the average out-of-pocket maximum for Part C plans was $5,000.
- Extra benefits: Many Part C plans offer additional benefits to Original Medicare. For example, in 2025, over 97% of Medicare Advantage plans include dental, hearing, and vision coverage, though extra costs may apply for specialized services like dentures or specific lenses.
Income limits
Your yearly gross income can also factor into how much you’ll pay for your Medicare Part C costs. For people with a lack of income or resources, there are programs that can help lower their Medicare costs. These are called Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).
The federal government funds these programs, but Medicaid administers them in each state. These programs are:
The table below outlines the income requirements for these Medicare savings programs in 2025.
| Medicare savings program | Individual monthly income limit | Married couple monthly income limit | Individual resource limit | Married couple resource limit | Helps you pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,325 | $1,783 | $9,660 | $14,470 | Part A premiums, Part B premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance |
| SLMB | $1,585 | $2,135 | $9,660 | $14,470 | Part B premiums |
| QI | $1,781 | $2,400 | $9,660 | $14,470 | Part B premiums |
| QDWI | $5,302 | $7,135 | $4,000 | $6,000 | Part A premiums |
Medicare Part C plans have different costs. Your costs may vary depending on your coverage, plan type, and whether you receive additional financial assistance.
Below is a small sample of Medicare Part C plan costs from major insurance providers in cities around the United States:
| Plan | City | Monthly premium | Health deductible, drug deductible | Primary doctor copay | Specialist copay | Out-of-pocket max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Select (HMO-POS) | Los Angeles, CA | $0 | $0 | $0 in network | $0 in network | $800 in network |
| Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO) | Denver, CO | $0 | $0 | $0 | $25 per visit | $3,550 in network |
| Humana Choice H5216-006 (PPO) | Dane, WI | $37 | •$0 •$250 | $0 in network | $45 in network per visit | •$4,900 in network •$10,100 in and out of network |
| Humana Gold Plus H0028-042 (HMO) | Harris, TX | $0 | •$0 •$300 | $0 | $20 | $3,450 in network |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus (PPO) | Nashville, TN | $11 | •$0 •$250 | •$0 in network •$10 out of network | •$35 in network •$45 out of network | •$6,750 in network, •$7,750 in and out of network |
| Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard MD (HMO-POS) | Baltimore, MD | $21 | $0 | •$5 in network •$0 to 25 out of network | •$25 in network •$0 to 50 out of network | $6,900 in network |
The estimates above are for 2025 and are only a sampling of the many plan options offered in each area.
For a more personal estimate of Medicare Part C plan costs based on your individual healthcare situation, visit this Medicare.gov plan finder tool and enter your ZIP code to compare plans near you.
Is Medicare Advantage more expensive than Original Medicare?
While it may seem that Medicare Advantage plans cost more than Original Medicare, they can actually help reduce medical expenses.
A
Most companies offering Medicare Part C plans have various ways to pay your premium. These options include:
- online bill payment
- automatic withdrawal from your bank account
- automatic withdrawal from your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits check
- check or money order
Help paying for Medicare
If you’re having trouble paying your Medicare Part C costs, there are resources that can help:
- Medicaid: This program helps people with low-income pay for medical costs.
- Medicare savings program (MSP): This benefit helps Medicare beneficiaries with low-income pay plan costs, such as premiums and copayments.
- Supplemental Social Security: Some individuals can apply for Supplemental Social Security benefits, which are monthly payments that help pay for Medicare costs.
- PACE: This program can help you get coordinated care within your local community.
- Extra Help: If you meet certain income and resource limitations, you may qualify for this Medicare program, called Extra Help, to pay for prescription drug costs, premiums, deductibles, and more.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a great coverage option for Medicare beneficiaries seeking additional coverage. Your Medicare Part C costs include premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Your costs will also be determined based on your plan type, how often you need medical services, and what type of doctors you see.
If you’re age 65 or older or have certain disabilities, you’re eligible to apply for Medicare. Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information on how to apply and enroll.
Medicare plan options and costs are subject to change each year.