How does Medicare Advantage differ from traditional Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are distinct from traditional Medicare because they typically operate through private insurance companies that may limit coverage to specific networks of providers. This means that beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan often need to use doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that are part of the plan's network to receive the full benefits. This is in contrast to traditional Medicare, where beneficiaries have more flexibility to see any Medicare-approved provider without network restrictions.

The other options do not accurately represent how Medicare Advantage differs from traditional Medicare. While it is true that Medicare Advantage plans generally combine the benefits of Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance), the assertion that they provide coverage exclusively for outpatient services is incorrect, as they also cover inpatient hospital services. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage plans can include additional benefits beyond Parts A and B, such as vision, dental, and wellness programs. Lastly, unlike traditional Medicare, where beneficiaries can see any physician who accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans typically require members to use a network of providers, which imposes restrictions on their choice of physicians.