Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 1/5
Which statement correctly distinguishes Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Original Medicare is the traditional federal program: Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), with beneficiaries paying deductibles and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is the private-plan alternative — HMO/PPO/PFFS/SNP plans offered by private insurers that must cover all benefits of Original Medicare and may offer more (such as drug coverage through MAPD). The beneficiary still pays the Part B premium, usually plus a plan premium.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) This reverses the structure: Original Medicare is the government-administered program, and Medicare Advantage is the private-plan alternative.
- C) Original Medicare Part B does not cover most outpatient prescription drugs; drug coverage comes through Part D, and many MA plans include it.
- D) Medicare Advantage is available to beneficiaries 65 and older (and certain younger people on Medicare); it is not limited to those under 65.
Memory hook
Original = the government's two-part classic. Advantage = private plans that must at least match the classic, then add extras.