Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) in Oregon and Washington: More Coverage, One Plan

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C) offer a bundled alternative to Original Medicare. If you live in Sandy, Boring, or anywhere across Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, or Clark Counties, these plans may give you more value and simplicity by combining hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan.


Our local team helps seniors or those eligible for SSDI compare Medicare Advantage plans available in your area so you can choose a plan that fits your health needs, budget, and doctors. This guide explains how these plans work and how they differ from Original Medicare.

What Medicare Advantage Plans Include

 What Is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide the same coverage as Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and most plans also include Part D (prescription drug coverage). Instead of being managed by the federal government, your coverage is administered by a local plan provider.

Extra Benefits You Might Get

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer more than just the basics. Depending on the plan, you might receive additional benefits such as:


Dental, vision, and hearing coverage

Gym memberships (like SilverSneakers)

Transportation to appointments

Over-the-counter allowances


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What These Plans Cost

You still pay your standard Part B premium. Some Medicare Advantage plans have an additional monthly premium, while many have $0 premium options available in Oregon and Washington.


You’ll also have predictable costs like co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions. One key feature: Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum to help protect you from high expenses—something Original Medicare doesn’t offer.

Choosing Between Medicare Advantage & Original Medicare

Not sure whether to stick with Original Medicare or try a Medicare Advantage plan? Here are a few key differences to help you compare:


  • Doctor & Hospital Choice: Medicare Advantage often uses local networks. You may need to choose providers in the plan’s network.
  • Referrals: Many HMO-style plans require referrals for specialists.
  • Drug Coverage: Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage (Part D).
  • Costs: Co-pays vary by service, but there is a yearly out-of-pocket limit.
  • Extras: Dental, vision, hearing, and more are often included.


If you want broader flexibility, Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan might be a better fit. Want everything bundled and simplified? Medicare Advantage may be the way to go.

Answers to Common Medicare Advantage Questions

  • Can I keep my doctor if I enroll in Medicare Advantage?

    It depends on whether your doctor is in the plan’s network. We can help you check before enrolling.

  • Does Medicare Advantage include prescription drug coverage?

    Most plans do (they’re called MA-PDs), but not all. We'll help you confirm.

  • Are Medicare Advantage plans available in Sandy and surrounding areas?

    Yes—plans vary by ZIP code. We help those eligible for Medicare  in Sandy, Boring, Gresham, and beyond compare what's available locally. 

  • When can I enroll in or change Medicare Advantage plans?

    When first eligible for Medicare by either turning 65 or you are under 65 and have been on SSDI for 24 months. 


    If already on any Medicare plan, The Annual Election Period runs October 15 – December 7. 


    You can also make a change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31.



Source Attribution:
 This information was obtained from www.medicare.gov.