Medicare Supplement/MediGap: Medicare Supplement/MediGap (i.e. G or F) are plans where Medicare is primary, pays their portion and your “gap” plan pays the difference in accordance with your plan benefits. These plans offer freedom to choose any Medicare provider, require no referrals and have low out of pocket costs for medical services. They cost more than Medicare Advantage plans and you have to buy part D coverage separately.
Medicare Advantage HMO: Medicare Advantage HMO plans are Medicare “replacement” plans. When you’re on one of these plans, your Medicare is assigned to the carrier you choose and you must use plan doctors, choose a primary care doctor and get referrals for specialty care (unless it’s urgent or emergency) These plans are typically low/no cost, include RX benefits and usually some bonus features like vision and hearing.
Medicare Advantage PPO: Medicare Advantage PPO plans are Medicare “replacement” plans. When you’re on one of these options, your Medicare is assigned to the carrier you choose and you must use plan doctors, to avoid paying higher out of network costs. These plans are typically low/no cost, include RX benefits and usually some bonus features like vision and hearing.