Medicare Advantage Plans are usually defined by their structure as either being some type of HMO or PPO. HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization and PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. HMO’s require you to stay within a network of doctors and hospitals. You are not allowed to go outside of the network unless there is an emergency. PPO’s also have a network of doctors and hospitals, however with PPO’s you can go outside of network for a higher copay.
Medicare Advantage plans usually combine Medicare Part A (Hospital), Medicare Part B (Medical), and Medicare Part D (Prescriptions) under one plan. Medicare Advantage plans can also have Medical-Only plans without the prescriptions included.
Medicare Advantage plans can also include benefits not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) such as gym memberships, dental, vision and hearing.