When did Medicare Part C become effective?

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, became effective in 1997 as a part of the Balanced Budget Act. This program was designed to allow beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through private health insurance plans, which could offer additional services beyond what original Medicare provides. The establishment of Medicare Part C marked a significant shift in how Medicare beneficiaries could access healthcare services, promoting a managed care approach that includes various options for coverage such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). This shift aimed to provide beneficiaries with more choices and potentially more tailored healthcare options.