Which plan can be purchased to provide coverage in place of Medicare Parts A and B combined?

The correct answer is Medicare Advantage, which is specifically designed to provide an alternative to the original Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and combine the benefits of both Parts A and B into a single plan. These plans often include additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing services, which are not usually covered by traditional Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans often operate as managed care programs, meaning they may require patients to use a network of doctors and facilities, which can help manage costs and improve healthcare outcomes. Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan is an option for individuals who want comprehensive coverage and supplementary benefits beyond what is typically offered by original Medicare.

While Medicare supplement plans do help cover some costs associated with Medicare, such as copayments and deductibles, they do not replace Parts A and B. Instead, they work alongside original Medicare to provide additional financial protection. Therefore, these do not serve the dual role that a Medicare Advantage plan does, which combines coverage.

Understanding the specifics of each option helps clarify why Medicare Advantage is the correct choice for someone looking for a single plan to replace both Medicare Parts A and B.