Medicare Advantage (Part C) in Washington

How Medicare Advantage works in Washington

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers that contract with the federal government. An Advantage plan bundles your Part A and Part B coverage, usually adds Part D prescription drugs, and often includes extras like dental, vision, or hearing. In exchange, most plans use provider networks and set their own copays and annual out-of-pocket maximums.

Advantage vs. Original Medicare with a supplement

With a Medicare Advantage plan you get your benefits through a private network, often at a lower premium but with copays and network rules. With Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan you can see any provider that accepts Medicare and have more predictable costs, but you pay a separate supplement premium and add a standalone Part D plan. You cannot use both paths at once. Washington's Medigap birthday rule can make the supplement path more flexible if you later change your mind.

Enrollment windows

You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period around age 65, the Annual Enrollment Period each fall (October 15 to December 7), and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). Enrollment may be limited to these times.

How Maru helps

Maru is a licensed independent agency. Before you enroll, we check that your doctors and preferred hospitals are in a plan's network and that your medications are covered, then compare the Advantage plans available in your county on total cost—not just the headline premium. Our help costs you nothing.

Frequently asked questions

Vadim — Maru Insurance
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (WA License WAOIC #1365574, FL License #G363233) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.