Why should a consumer choose a MedAdvantage plan as compared to an HMO product or a Medicare Supplement product?
A. There are three types of health care plans that can protect from unexpected costs. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are managed care plans that require the member to use only contracted doctors and hospitals and typically referrals are required to see specialists. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) also have a contracted network of providers, but the member can see any provider who accepts Medicare patients and still receive coverage. The members coverage is higher if the member stays in-network and no referrals are required. • HMOs and PPOs offer extra benefits compared to Medicare such as physicals and vision. HMOs and PPOs roll original Medicare benefits and supplemental benefits into one plan. Medicare Supplement plans are secondary policies to Medicare. They do not have a network of providers and usually cost more than HMOs and PPOs. Most Medicare Supplement plans do not offer coverage for physicals and vision. • Medicare Supplement plans help reduce your out-of-poc