Final answer:
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare and must cover all the Part A and Part B benefits, not reduce them. They are offered by private companies but regulated by Medicare and can include additional services and prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that Medicare Advantage Plans replace Original Medicare, causing beneficiaries to lose out on certain Part A or Part B benefits, is false. Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare but must cover all services that Original Medicare covers except hospice care, which remains covered under Part A. These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare to provide Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) benefits.
Medicare Advantage may also offer additional coverage such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs, and most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). It's important to note that while these plans can have different rules, restrictions, and costs, they do not strip away the essential benefits provided by Original Medicare.