Medicare Advantage Plans are private health plans that have contracts with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  The federal government requires these plans to cover everything that original Medicare covers, and some plans pay for services that original Medicare does not, including dental, vision care and transportation to and from doctors’ offices. Extra benefits can vary from carrier to carrier.

 

Most Medicare Advantage plans have prescription drug coverage. Always check the costs of your prescription drugs when choosing a Part C Plan.

 

Medicare Advantage plans generally are either health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs).

 

In HMOs you typically choose a primary care doctor who will then direct your care and usually will have to give you a referral to see a specialist. PPOs have networks of doctors that you can see and facilities you can use, often without the need of a referral.

 

If you go to a provider who is not in the plan’s network, you likely will pay more.

 

Medicare Advantage Plans put a cap on your out-of-pocket Part A and Part B costs.  This offers financial protection.