What are the 3 Main Types of Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits through private health plans instead of Original Medicare. There are different types of Medicare Advantage Plans that provide coverage in different ways. The 3 main categories of Medicare Advantage Plans are HMOs, PPOs, and private fee-for-service plans.

HMO Medicare Advantage Plans

Health care provider maintenance organization (HMO) plans are one of the most common types of Medicare Advantage Plans. In an HMO plan, you can only go to doctors, specialists, and hospitals within the plan’s network except in emergency situations.

Some key things to know about HMO Medicare Advantage Plans:

• You must choose a primary care doctor (PCP) to coordinate your care and refer you to in-network specialists. Seeing out-of-network providers will not be covered except for emergencies in 2023.
• Preventive care and Medicare coverage Part A and Part B benefits are covered. Many HMO special needs plans may also include Part D prescription drug coverage.
• Monthly premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may be lower than Original Medicare. However, provider networks are more limited.
• Prior authorization from your PCP may be required for certain services and specialist visits.
• No coverage is provided for care received outside the HMO’s network unless it’s an emergency. Out-of-network care often requires prior approval.
• Examples of popular Medicare Advantage HMO plans include Kaiser Permanent and Humana Gold Plus.

HMO plans are best suited for people who don’t mind restricted provider networks in exchange for lower costs and don’t travel often outside the plan’s service area.

PPO Medicare Advantage Plans

Preferred provider organization (PPO) Medicare Advantage Plans offer more provider flexibility than HMOs. You can still go out-of-network if you choose.

Key characteristics of PPO Medicare Advantage Plans:

• You can see any Medicare-approved provider without a referral, but you may pay less when you use in-network providers.
• No primary care doctor is required. You have the flexibility to see specialists at any time.
• Nationwide networks are common, making PPOs a good option for frequent travelers. However, out-of-network care costs more.
• Premiums may be higher than HMOs, but provider choice is greater. Many PPOs include prescription drug coverage.
• Prior authorization for services is less common though still required for some procedures. Most services are covered both in- and out-of-network.
• Typical out-of-pocket costs are lower when utilizing in-network providers. Deductibles and coinsurance are typically higher when going out-of-network.
• Popular Medicare Advantage PPO plans are available include AARP Medicare Complete and Humana Choice.

PPOs offer greater flexibility for people who want access to out-of-network providers and specialists without referrals. However, costs are usually lower when staying in-network.

Private Fee-for-Service Plans

Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans are the least restrictive type of Medicare Advantage Plan. They allow the greatest freedom in provider choice.

Key facts about PFFS Medicare Advantage Plans:

• You can typically go to any Medicare-approved doctor, hospital or provider you want without referrals or a primary care physician.
• Some PFFS plans have contracted networks, but out-of-network providers who accept the plan’s terms can also be seen.
• Monthly premiums tend to be lower, but out-of-pocket costs per visit are often higher.
• These plans have no coordination of care between providers. You manage and oversee your care.
• Many PFFS plans include prescription drug coverage. Some also cover vision, dental, and hearing services.
• Providers can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to treat you if they aren’t in the plan’s contracted network.
• There are limited PFFS plan options available to choose from compared to HMOs and PPOs.
• Popular options include Humana Complete and Aetna Medicare PFFS plans.

The flexibility of PFFS plans appeals to people who want to visit health providers of their choosing without restrictions. However, costs per visit and service can be higher.

Medicare Coverage: Points of Comparison

When evaluating the differences between Medicare Advantage Plan types, some key points of comparison include:

• Provider choice – PFFS plans offer the most flexibility followed by PPOs. HMOs have the smallest provider networks.
• Referrals required – HMOs require all specialist referrals from your PCP. PFFS and PPO plans do not require PCP referrals.
• Premiums – Average premiums tend to be lower for HMOs and PFFS plans vs. PPOs.
• Out-of-pocket costs – HMO and PPO costs are lower in-network, while PFFS costs per service are typically higher.
• Prior authorization – Less common with PPOs and PFFS plans compared to HMOs.
• Prescription drug coverage – Many plans of all types include Part D coverage, though benefits and costs vary.
• Travel coverage – PPOs offer the most flexibility for out-of-area coverage. HMOs only cover emergencies outside their service area.

No single Medicare Advantage Plan type is “best.” Your individual needs and preferences should drive which option you choose when comparing these plan types.

Enrolling in Medicare Advantage Plans

You first must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. You have the opportunity to sign up during these times:

• Initial Enrollment Period – When you are first eligible for Medicare, you can join a plan.
• Annual Enrollment Period – Every year from October 15 to December 7, you can enroll in or change Medicare Advantage Plans for the following year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – From January 1 to March 31 each year, you can switch your Advantage Plan or drop your plan and return to Original Medicare.
• Special Enrollment Period – Certain life events like moving give you a chance to join or make plan changes outside regular enrollment periods.

When evaluating Medicare Advantage Plans, carefully compare benefits, premiums, drug coverage, and provider networks to find the right plan for your needs. Having a good understanding of the differences between plan types allows you to make the best coverage decision.

Summary of Main Medicare Advantage Plan Types

• HMOs – Limited provider networks, lower costs in-network, referrals required for specialists, only emergency coverage out-of-network
• PPOs – Wider provider networks, higher costs than HMOs, no referrals needed, pays less when out-of-network
• PFFS – Greatest provider choice flexibility, higher per-visit costs, referral not required, providers may decline treatment

Knowing the distinct advantages and limitations of each Medicare Advantage Plan category provides helpful guidance as you evaluate the range of options available. Multiple factors including health, finances, travel frequency, and preference for provider choice or lower costs contribute to selecting the optimal plan for your situation.

We’re Here to Help

You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give the licensed insurance agents at Senior Health Advocates a Call at (386) 222-3030. You will get the answers you seek in a matter of minutes, with no pressure and no sales pitch. We are truly here to help.

FAQS

What are the 3 Main Types of Medicare Advantage Plans?

 The three main types of Medicare Advantage Plans are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans.

What is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan?

 An HMO plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that typically requires you to choose a primary care doctor and get a referral to see specialists or receive certain medical services.

What is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan?

 A PPO plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that allows you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, but you’ll usually pay less if you use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network.

What is a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan?

 A PFFS plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that determines how much it will pay doctors, other healthcare providers, and hospitals, and how much you must pay when you receive care.

Are there any other types of Medicare Advantage Plans?

Yes, in addition to HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans, there are also Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans.

What are Special Needs Plans (SNPs)?

 SNPs are Medicare Advantage Plans that specifically cater to individuals with certain health conditions or who are dual eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

What are Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans?

 MSA plans combine a high-deductible health plan with a medical savings account. The plan deposits money into the account, and you can use those funds to pay for your healthcare expenses.

Can Medicare Advantage Plans cover prescription drugs?

 Yes, some Medicare Advantage Plans, called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, provide coverage for prescription drugs.

Can I go outside of the network with a Medicare Advantage Plan?

It depends on the type of plan you have. HMO plans generally require you to stay within the plan’s network, while PPO plans may allow you to go outside the network for a higher cost.

Can I get coverage for durable medical equipment with a Medicare Advantage Plan?

 Yes, Medicare Advantage Plans must cover the same benefits as Original Medicare.

What are the 3 different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans?

The three main types of Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans.

How do HMO plans differ from other types of Medicare Advantage Plans?

 HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals to see specialists. They generally have a network of doctors and hospitals that you must use to get covered services.

What is a PPO Medicare Health plan and how does it work?

A PPO plan allows you to go outside of the network of doctors and hospitals, but you will usually pay less if you stay within the network. You do not need a referral to see a specialist with a PPO plan.

What are the key features of a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan?

 PFFS plans may have their own network of doctors and hospitals, but you can generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts the plan’s payment terms. You do not need a referral to see a specialist with a PFFS plan.

Can I still get coverage for Medicare Part B services with a Medicare Advantage Plan?

 Yes, Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare Part B covers, such as doctor visits, outpatient care, and durable medical equipment.

Do I have to stay within my Medicare Advantage Plan’s network for all services?

 It depends on the type of plan you have. HMO plans generally require you to stay within the network, while PPO and PFFS plans may allow you to go outside the network for certain services.

What are the coverage options offered by Medicare Advantage Plans?

 Medicare Advantage Plans also include additional benefits that are not covered by Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services.

Can Medicare Advantage Plans also offer savings accounts?

 Yes, some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer health savings accounts (HSAs) or medical savings accounts (MSAs) where you can save money for healthcare expenses tax-free.

Can I compare Medicare Advantage Plans from different insurance companies?

Yes, you can compare Medicare Advantage Plans from different insurance companies to see what options are available in your area and what benefits are included.

How can the State Health Insurance Assistance Program help me with Medicare Advantage Plans?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free personalized counseling and assistance to help you understand your Medicare options, including Medicare Advantage Plans.

What is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)?

SHIP is a program that provides free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families regarding Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, and other related healthcare coverage options.