The All-in-One Plan: Medicare Advantage (Plan C)

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are quickly becoming the first choice for more and more seniors in 2026—and it’s easy to see the appeal. These plans blend hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage into one straightforward package, plus they bring a whole buffet of added perks, often at $0 premiums. For clients in Orange County and the rest of California, the trend is clear: Medicare Advantage is surging, and the options have never looked better.

What Is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Medicare Advantage is a private alternative to Original Medicare, offered by insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Each plan includes:

• Part A (Hospital)

• Part B (Medical)

• Usually Part D (Prescription drugs)

• Plus extra benefits Medicare doesn’t cover

You still have Medicare — but it’s delivered through the plan you choose.

Why People Are Switching to Medicare Advantage in 2026

In 2026, Medicare Advantage plans in California are more generous and more personalized than ever. Here's why many are making the switch:

$0 Premium Options: Most Medicare Advantage plans in Orange County have no monthly premium beyond your Part B premium.

Built-In Dental, Vision & Hearing:Some plans offer prepaid dental cards, full dentures, or $0 cleanings and x-rays — all bundled in.

Prescription Coverage Included: No need to shop for a separate Part D plan — many Advantage plans include drug coverage automatically.

Extras You Won’t Get with Original Medicare:

Think grocery cards, acupuncture, Telehealth, transportation, case managers, and chronic care support.

Out-of-Pocket Protection: Unlike Original Medicare, these plans have a yearly cap on out-of-pocket costs — protecting you financially.

Which Plans Are Popular in Orange County?

You’re appointed with three of the strongest carriers in the market. Here’s how they stack up for 2026:

Providence Medicare Advantage

• Access to Providence Medical Group, including:

  • St. Jude, St. Joseph, and Mission Hospital

• Generous pre-paid dental card

• PPO and HMO options available

• Strong chronic condition care and hospital coordination

Alignment Healthcare

• Known for personalized care teams and 24/7 concierge support

• Home visits, transportation, and chronic condition management

• Rich benefits for people with diabetes and heart issues

• Growing network in Orange County, including top specialists

SCAN Health Plan

• Trusted name with over 40 years of service in California

• Excellent for seniors on fixed incomes

• Offers specialized plans for:

  • Veterans

  • Women’s health

  • Chronic condition support (C-SNPs)

• Expanding benefits like OTC cards and gym memberships

Who Benefits Most from Medicare Advantage?

Let’s walk through your client types:

Client #1: 64 and Working

Medicare Advantage may not be needed yet, but it’s smart to start reviewing local plan networks to prepare. If employer coverage is limited, a $0 plan could be better.

Client #2: 64, Retiring at 65

This is your window! Advantage plans can bundle everything into one affordable and predictable package. Let’s compare coverage before your employer plan ends.

Client #3: 67, Good Health, Fixed Income

A $0 premium plan with dental, vision, and prescription drugs is ideal. SCAN or Providence may offer the most value with lowest cost.

Client #4: 70, Diabetes, Fixed Income

Alignment Healthcare and SCAN both offer Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) with:

• Lower co-pays for specialists

• Case managers

• Prescription help

• Transportation

Client #5: 73, Healthy, No Income Issues

Advantage plans may still be appealing — especially PPO options from Providence — but this client may also compare Medigap if they value flexibility over perks.

Client #6: 75, Heart Condition, No Income Issues

Alignment Healthcare excels here — offering specialist coordination and cardiac care. Providence’s hospital network and SCAN’s C-SNPs are also worth a close look.

What to Know About Networks in Orange County

Here are common provider groups accepted by these plans:

• Providence Medical Group

• St. Jude, St. Joseph, Mission Hospital

• Regal Medical Group, St. Jude Affiliated Physicians, MemorialCare

• Many plans also accept major lab partners like LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics

Plans are HMO- or PPO-based — so knowing your doctor and medical group is key.

That’s where I come in.

Pros & Cons of Medicare Advantage

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
$0 premiums available	You must use network providers (HMO)
Includes dental, vision, hearing	Referrals may be required
Part D is included	May not cover every hospital
Extra benefits like transportation, gym	Plan benefits can change yearly
Annual out-of-pocket max for protection	Limited nationwide coverage

What About Staying with Original Medicare?

You can stay with Original Medicare, but remember:

• No dental, vision, hearing

• No protection from unlimited costs

• Must buy Part D and Medigap separately

• Can be more expensive overall if you have chronic conditions

Real Talk: Is Medicare Advantage the Right Fit for Everyone?

No one-size-fits-all solution exists. Some people prefer the absolute freedom of pairing Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, and if traveling the country or seeing out-of-network specialists is your must-have, MA may not be your top pick.

But for the majority—especially those on fixed incomes or anyone who loves an “all-in-one” approach—Medicare Advantage hits the sweet spot.

How I Can Help (No Cost to You)

As a licensed and certified Medicare agent based in Orange County, I review your personal doctors, prescription drugs, and health history. Together, we’ll:

• Compare all major plan options (SCAN, Providence, Alignment, and more)

• Make sure your favorite doctors and drugs are included

• Pinpoint the cost, network, and perks you want

• Handle enrollment from A to Z

Book a conversation now:

Schedule your free Medicare Advantage review here

This year, don’t settle for a plan—choose a Medicare strategy that grows with you.

Medicare Advantage in 2026: Big Trends & What’s Next

• More Than Half Enrolled: Over 54% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are already using Medicare Advantage plans—and projections say that’s only going up.

  
  

• Enhanced Benefits: Thanks to boosted federal payments (a 7.2% increase for 2026), Advantage plans are getting even more generous and creative with their extras.

  
  

• Simplicity and Service: As healthcare gets more complex, everyone wants a single contact, a simple card, and confidence their biggest needs are met.

If you’re ready to see how a Medicare Advantage plan could fit into your health and financial strategy—or if you just want a no-pressure walk-through—let’s connect.

Medicare Compliance Disclaimers

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Plans discussed are subject to change and may not be available in all zip codes. This is not a complete listing of plans available in your area. For a complete list, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information provided is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.

Medicare 2026 Series - Article 3 of 5 - Author: John Ortiz