Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Medicare Advantage plans are options run by private insurance companies under contract with Medicare. They can be purchased to provide extra benefits that may not be covered by Medicare Part D.

There are three types of Medicare Advantage insurance:

• Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
  Contracted network of doctors and hospitals where beneficiaries receive care. It may cost more to use a provider not in the preferred network.
• Medicare Advantage Managed Care (HMO)
  
Similar to a PPO, but typically requires a referral for specialist services and to see doctors outside the
preferred network.

• Medicare Advantage Private Fee for Service (PFFS)
  
No defined provider network; however, the provider must accept the plan’s terms before the
beneficiary receives services.