Medicare Advantage Plans, also called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are an alternative to Original Medicare for receiving your Part A and Part B benefits. These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurers and must follow Medicare guidelines. Most include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and require you to use providers within the plan’s network. They also limit your annual out-of-pocket costs for covered services. Some plans may offer limited out-of-network coverage for non-emergency care, usually at a higher cost.
Below are the most common types of Medicare Advantage Plans.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
With HMO plans, you generally must get care and services from doctors, hospitals, and other providers within the plan’s network. Exceptions are made for:
Emergency care
Urgent care when you’re outside the plan’s service area
Temporary dialysis outside your coverage area
Some HMO plans, known as HMO Point-of-Service (HMOPOS) plans, offer added flexibility by allowing you to access certain out-of-network services, though you’ll typically pay a higher copayment or coinsurance for those services.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPO plans feature a network of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers. You’ll save money by using in-network providers, but you also have the option to receive care from out-of-network providers for covered services—usually at a higher cost.
To be covered, the provider must be willing to treat you and must not have opted out of Medicare for Part A and Part B services. Emergency and urgent care are always covered, regardless of where you get treatment.
Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans
PFFS plans are different from Original Medicare and Medigap. These plans decide how much they will pay healthcare providers and how much you’ll pay when receiving care. The costs and payment terms are set by the plan—not Medicare.
Special Needs Plans (SNP)
Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are tailored for people with specific health conditions or circumstances. These plans offer customized benefits, specialized provider networks, and prescription drug coverage designed to address the unique healthcare needs of their members.
Other less common types of Medicare Advantage Plans
Other less common types of Medicare Advantage Plans that may be available include HMO Point of Service (HMOPOS) Plans and a Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan.
Covered services in Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans often include extra benefits beyond what Original Medicare offers. These can include fitness programs like gym memberships or discounts, as well as vision, hearing, and dental services such as routine exams and cleanings. Some plans also provide additional perks like transportation to medical appointments, coverage for over-the-counter medications, and wellness services to help maintain your overall health.
A no-nonsense guide to UK online casinos that accept eCheque in 2026. Compare top sites, bonuses, withdrawal times, and see why this old-school payment method still has a quiet following. read the echeque casino guide
Our expert guide ranks the best casinos that accept Entropay for UK players in 2026. Compare bonuses, safety, and payment terms in one place. see our full Entropay casino ranking
Find the best Ethereum casinos for UK players in 2026. Our expert guide compares top ETH gambling sites, bonuses, safety checks, and legal insights—without the fluff. read our Ethereum casino UK 2026 guide
Our 2026 guide to the best UK casinos that accept e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Compare top brands, bonus offers, withdrawal speeds, and play safely with UKGC-licensed sites. read our comprehensive guide to e-wallet casinos in the UK
A comprehensive guide to UK online casinos that accept Giropay in 2026, featuring a list of top Giropay casino sites, alternatives, and the latest updates on Giropay's availability. read our giropay casinos uk 2026 guide
Discover the best Google Pay casinos UK 2026. Compare top sites with fast deposits, bonuses, and safety. Your complete guide to playing with Google Pay at UK online casinos. best Google Pay casino sites UK
Discover the best online casinos that accept iDEAL for UK players in 2026, with expert comparisons, bonus insights, and safer banking alternatives. read our full guide to iDEAL casinos UK
A complete guide to UK casinos that accept Instadebit in 2026. Compare top brands, bonuses, and find the best Instadebit alternatives. Expert analysis and insider tips. read the full Instadebit casino guide
Our 2026 guide to UK casinos that accept Interac. We rank top sites, compare bonuses, explain payment speed, and cover all you need to know about using Interac for online gambling. read our guide to casinos that accept Interac UK 2026