Understanding Medicare Advantage Health Insurance
If you are choosing a Medicare health insurance plan, or if you are helping somebody else do it, you know it can all get 
very confusing. It is important to understand that original Medicare with a Medicare supplement is different than Medicare Advantage (MA).
MA plans are part of the Medicare program though. If join one, you will probably get all of your coverage through this private health insurance plan, instead of using your Medicare card and a Medicare supplement card in combination. MA plans are still supported with federal tax money, but the way you access services changes.
You may get extra benefits, services, or coverage than you would get from original Medicare. Just be aware that you may be limited to a plan network. To understand this, please read the short outline of the types of MA plans below. Also note that some MA plans include Medicare Part D (Prescription) coverage, but not all of them do. If they do not include prescription drug benefits, you would have to join a Part D plan too.
Right now, there are four basic types of MA plans you can compare:
•Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) – Like any HMO, these will have a list of plan providers which you must almost always use for medical services in order to be covered. There may be some exceptions to this rule for emergencies, or for a medical service that is not included in the plan network. But if it is not an emergency, always get those exceptions approved in advance.
•Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) – These are more flexible than Medicare HMO plans. They also have a network of medical providers, and you will get the highest benefits from using them. However, you will still be covered, at a lower level, if you choose to use a non-network doctor. You will have to make sure the non-network medical service provider will work with your PPO though.
•Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS) - These can provide the most flexibility because they do not even have a network of medical service providers. However, that still does not mean every doctor, hospital etc. will accept a particular insurance plan that you have. Sometimes it is just simpler to have a network.
•Medicare Special Needs Plans – These plans have been developed for people with particular medical conditions, like diabetes or confinement in a nursing home.
Which Type of Medicare Health Plan is Best for You?
Should you choose an MA plan, a Medicare supplement, or just use original Medicare. Reeally, the best choice depends upon your budget, health, and the way you want your health care delivered. It may also depend upon which plans are marketed in your area. For example, in some areas, a PPO or HMO plan may have a very large network of medical providers. In other areas, choices may be limited.
Your choice of plans may vary state, and sometimes by zip code!
We would like to help you compare Medicare Health Plans! Find out which plans are in your area, how they work, and which ones would suit a person like you!
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Thanks. I think this helps people understand an important topic.