The benefits of Medicare Advantage plans can make them a great alternative to Original Medicare. However, it’s important to understand the differences of each plan before making a decision.
To help you choose what’s best for your needs, let's take a look at the types of Medicare Advantage plans and how they compare.
Medicare Advantage plans, known as Part C, are sometimes referred to as all-in-one packages for
To help you choose what’s best for your needs, let's take a look at the types of Medicare Advantage plans and how they compare.
Medicare Advantage plans help expand your Medicare coverage beyond Original Medicare, often with extra benefits. Explore Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans in your area today!
The most common Medicare Advantage plans are:
Plan feature | HMO | PPO | PFFS | SNP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Coverage for prescription drugs (Part D) | Usually | Usually | Usually | Yes |
Referral requirements for specialist care | Yes | No | Maybe | Maybe |
Contracted network of doctors and hospitals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ability to use any doctors or hospitals outside of network | Maybe | Yes | Yes | No |
To help you compare Medicare Advantage plans and see their differences, here are some important features to consider:
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage, and all SNPs* must cover prescription drugs.1
Most HMO plans require you to get a referral from your primary care physician for specialist care, while PPO plans typically do not. Some PFFS plans and SNPs* require a referral.1
All Medicare Advantage plans have a contracted network of doctors and hospitals that work in coordination to service your individual healthcare needs.
HMO plans generally require you to use doctors or hospitals in your network. PPO plans allow you to go outside of your network, but the cost may increase. PFFS plans let you go outside of your network if the doctor or hospital accepts the payment terms and agrees to treat you, and SNPs* generally require you to stay in your network.
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Star Ratings. These ratings go up to 5 and measure the quality of Part C and Part D plans based on up to 38 performance measures, including customer service, care coordination and availability of certain preventive care screenings.2
Since Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies, the costs may vary from plan to plan. The projected average premium for all Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 is $17.003 per month, but there are other costs to consider, including co-pays and deductibles. To get a comparison of costs between different Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans, use
Your first chance to sign up for Medicare Advantage is during your
If you are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch plans during the
If you have Original Medicare and want to enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan during
Everyone has different health needs. Be sure to look up your plan’s network, costs and its list of covered drugs before making your decision. By taking the time to research and compare
* SNPs can be any type of MA plan such as an HMO or PPO.
Enrollment and eligibility
How do I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?
Enrollment and eligibility
Sign up for Medicare in 3 easy steps
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