One of the conditions for being eligible for Medicare (including Medicare Advantage plan) is disability for at least 24 months regardless of age.  Having qualified Medicare automatically permits you to any Medicare plans which include Medicare Advantage (previously known as Medicare Part C). Medicare Advantage is actually Part A (hospital insurance plan) and Part B (medical insurance plan) combined but has a better coverage.  You can epect also that with this improved coverage, Medicare Advantage plan generally costs more than the regular ones (Part A and Part B).  That’s why many are already satisfied with just having Part A and B policies and also purchase a stand-alone Part D plan to support their prescription drug needs. However, this may not be the case for some, especially for those who require etensive healthcare services.  This is when Medicare Advantage plan comes in.  Even with a higher cost, this Medicare plan provides a much better coverage and minimal out-of-pocket epenses. On the other hand, a Medicare Supplement (also known as a Medi-Gap plan) is a Medicare plan that covers what Part A and Part B lack.  This accounts for its rarity in the market.  Unlike Part A and B Medicare plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D plan are eclusively available to private insurers.  You’ll most likely find these plans on big insurance companies. You may contact Medicare or the Department of Insurance in your state for a list of insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans. - June 19, 2009 @ 6:39 pm