Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

Most HMO Plans require you to use doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers within the plan’s network, except in emergencies, urgent care outside the area, or temporary dialysis. A referral from your primary doctor may be needed to see specialists.

Find and compare HMO Plans in your area

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans

A Medicare PPO Plan is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) offered by private insurance companies. You pay less for using doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers in the plan’s network and more for out-of-network services.

Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans

PFFS Plans are Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offered by private companies. They are not the same as Original Medicare or Medicare Supplements. The plan decides how much it will pay healthcare providers and what your share of the cost will be.

Medicare Special Needs (SNP) Plans

SNPs are Medicare Advantage Plans designed for people with specific conditions or needs. They tailor benefits, provider choices, and drug formularies to meet the requirements of the groups they serve.

Find out who can join a Medicare SNP

These definitions are sourced from Medicare.gov.