What is the primary function of Medicare Part C?

The primary function of Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is to manage all services covered under Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance), B (medical insurance), and D (prescription drug coverage) through private insurance companies. This program allows beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through a private health plan that is approved by Medicare, often providing additional services and benefits beyond traditional Medicare.

Medicare Part C combines these various components into a single plan, making it easier for beneficiaries to manage their healthcare services. Plans may offer integrated healthcare options, preventive care, and often additional benefits such as vision and hearing coverage, which are not available through Original Medicare. This comprehensive management of benefits under one plan leads to coordinated care for beneficiaries.

The other options relate to specific aspects of healthcare that are not the main focus of Medicare Part C. While preventive care might be enhanced through some Medicare Advantage plans, it is not the defining function of Part C. Similarly, while coverage for outpatient services or dental coverage may be included in certain plans, those services are not the primary function of Medicare Part C itself. Thus, managing all Part A, B, and D services through private companies is the most accurate representation of what Medicare Part C is designed to do.