What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage — officially called Medicare Part C — is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Instead of getting Part A and Part B directly from the federal government, you get all your coverage bundled into one plan.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can also offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't — like dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, and transportation to doctor appointments.
South Florida has one of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country, which means more plan options and often richer benefits than most other states. Our brokers know exactly which plans perform best in Miami-Dade.
Even on a Medicare Advantage plan, you must keep paying your Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). The Advantage plan replaces the way you receive your benefits — it doesn't replace your eligibility requirements. Some plans offer a "give-back" benefit that helps offset this cost.
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
This is the most important decision you'll make when you first get Medicare. Neither option is universally better — it depends entirely on your health, your doctors, your budget, and how much you travel.
Always verify that your specific doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in-network before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan. This is the most common mistake people make — and it can mean paying significantly more for care you were expecting to be covered.