Types of Medicare Advantage plans

Here’s a quick look at some common Medicare Advantage plans:
Plan Details Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

HMOs may offer lower premiums than other plans. You must usually stay within your plan’s network for care and services.

  Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

PPOs may allow you to go out-of-network for care. You will usually pay less if you stay within the plan’s network.

  Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS)

A PFFS plan may or not be network-based and requires non-network providers to accept Medicare reimbursement and the plan’s terms.

  Special Needs Plan (SNP)

SNPs are designed for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, and individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

  Medical Savings Account (MSA)

MSAs combines a high-deductible plan with a designated savings account. These plans do not include prescription drug coverage.

  HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS)

These hybrid HMOs let you go outside the network for treatment but may have a higher cost. There can be separate deductibles for in-network and out-of-network costs.

 
For more detailed information, see comparing Medicare Advantage plans.