Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is available to any Medicare beneficiary enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B with an eligible enrollment period. Almost all Medicare Advantage plans require you to use the plan’s network of physicians and hospitals to have costs fully covered.

What Are the Medicare Advantage Network Types?

Medicare Advantage plans are required to include in their network physicians from each of the various different medical specialties and hospitals in your area. There are several types of plans.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) PPOs may offer physicians and hospitals but can be a more expensive option. They cover care by in- and out-of-network providers but May be at the higher cost to the plan member.

Other Kinds of Plans

Some beneficiaries have the option of Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) plans and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare Advantage?

Any individual who is enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B may opt for a Medicare Advantage plan that serves their geographic area. If you are receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, you will be enrolled automatically in Original Medicare when you become eligible, usually after you have been receiving SSDI benefits for two years.