Medicare Advantage PPO Plans from
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers
You can usually see any doctor that participates in the plan’s network and out of network doctors, but you’ll pay less if you see a doctor that is in-network. You don’t need referrals to see specialists with most Medicare PPO plans, but you will need to contact your plan to get prior authorization for some services.
Medicare PPO plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover such as routine vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
Most Medicare PPO plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit on what you have to pay for covered services and prescription drugs. This means there’s a limit on your total yearly copayments and coinsurance plus any deductible for the year.
After you reach this maximum limit, the Medicare PPO plan pays 100% of the allowed amount for covered services for the rest of the year.
Some Medicare PPO plans also offer coverage for prescription drugs.
You typically pay a monthly premium for a Medicare PPO plan in addition to your Part B premium. You may also have to pay a deductible, copayments,
In 2022, the most a Medicare Advantage plan can charge you as an out-of-pocket maximum is $7,550 per calendar year. That is the worst-case scenario for hospital and outpatient costs, which will be $7,550 in total out-of-pocket expenses.
Some Features Of Medicare PPOs Include:
Medicare PPO plans usually have lower premiums than traditional Medicare Supplement plans because Medicare PPO beneficiaries agree to the plan’s rules and limitations.
Medicare PPO plans often include Part D prescription drug plan benefits. It’s important to note that if you have a Medicare PPO with medical benefits only, you are not allowed to have a separate Part D drug plan.
Typically those who obtain a Medicare PPO plan without Part D coverage, currently have coverage through a VA medical facility.
Some military veterans who qualify for VA benefits have creditable Part D coverage so they do not need a Medicare advantage plan that includes Part D prescription drug benefits.
To get drug coverage on a Medicare PPO plan, you must choose one with an integrated Part D plan. Some Medicare PPO plans may include “extra” benefits for things such as vision exams or discounted gym memberships.
When choosing a Medicare PPO plan, it’s important to compare the costs and benefits of several plans to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Advantages Of A Medicare Advantage PPO Plan
Greater Flexibility
No Referrals Required
Disadvantages Of A Medicare Advantage PPO Plan
More Expensive
Do It Yourself Care Management
Typical Costs You May Expect To Pay For A Medicare PPO Plan
Medicare PPO Plans are a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that contracts with Medicare to provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of plan types including HMO, PPO, HMO-POS, and PFFS plans.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. If you enroll in a Medicare PPO plan, you will still pay for Medicare Part B monthly premiums.
You will typically be required to pay a monthly premium for the Medicare Advantage PPO plan itself. Some PPO plans in certain areas may not charge an additional monthly premium.
Your costs for services and care will usually be lower when you use providers that participate in the Medicare PPO network. You will also have some flexibility to use out-of-network providers, although you will usually pay more when you do.
There may be a deductible, and you will likely have co-pays for medical services as you go along.
You can also buy a Medicare PPO Plan that has no network, which is called a Medicare Select PPO Plan. With a Medicare Select PPO Plan, you can only use the plan’s network of providers, except in an emergency.
All Medicare advantage plans must follow rules set by Medicare. You can enroll in a Medicare PPO Plan during the annual open enrollment period or if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
If you drop your Medicare PPO Plan, you can enroll in another Medicare Advantage Plan or Original Medicare during the annual open enrollment period or a special enrollment period.
Medicare PPO plans may offer some additional benefits not typically covered by Original Medicare, such as dental and vision coverage. However, you may be required to pay an additional fee for more comprehensive dental plans.
Contact one of our Medicare insurance agents at Integrity Now Insurance Brokers to learn more about Medicare Advantage PPO plans in your area.
Which Is Better – Medigap Or Medicare PPO Plan?
Medicare PPO plans typically have lower premiums than Medicare supplement plans, but you agree to use a network of doctors to get the best co-pays.
All Medicare advantage plans are considered a pay as you go plan, but there is usually a limit on how much you will pay out of pocket in a year.
Medicare supplement plans pay after Medicare and leave you with very little or no out of pocket. Most of the time you will not even have a doctor co-pay.
While you may pay a slightly higher premium for a Medigap plan, you could spend thousands more with a Medicare PPO plan when you use your health insurance coverage.
The answer to which plan is better depends on your personal preferences. If you want the security of knowing your costs upfront, a Medicare supplement plan may be the better choice for you. If you are willing to pay a little more as you go, a Medicare PPO plan may be the better choice.
Do I Still Pay For Part B Insurance Premiums On A Medicare PPO Plan?
Yes, you are still required to pay your Medicare Part B monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans are an alternative to Original Medicare Part A and Part B. If you stop paying your Part B insurance premiums, your Medicare Advantage plan will discontinue coverage immediately.
Medicare PPO plans combine Medicare Part A and Part B, and often Part D prescription drug coverage, into one plan. Not only will you lose your Medicare coverage but you will also lose your Part D prescription drug benefits.
In order to maintain your health insurance benefits, never stop paying towards your Part B premiums. This can cause a number of issues that a Medicare beneficiary will face.
Is It Possible To Convert From
A HMO To A PPO Plan?
There are a number of Medicare Advantage plans available to choose from, and you may find that your needs change over time. If you’re currently enrolled in an HMO plan, you may be wondering if you can switch to a PPO plan.
The good news is that you can make this change during certain Medicare election periods. For example, you can switch plans during the Annual Election Period or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment window.
Keep in mind that you may need to re-enroll in Medicare Part B if you make this switch. You can also switch back to an HMO plan at any time during these election periods.
Be sure to research out to our Medicare insurance agency to review all the different types of plans available so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
How Do Medicare PPOs Compare To Original Medicare with a Medigap Plan?
When comparing Medicare Advantage plans to original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Plan, it’s vital to think about all of your health needs. When you compare the two plans, keep the following in mind:
- Is the lower monthly PPO plan premium worth the higher cost to use the plan
- Do you prefer the predictability of a Medigap Plan versus a PPO plan cost
- Is the single PPO plans Part D drug plan better than the 20 plus standalone Part D plan options
- Are you willing to pay a higher cost to use out of network doctors
- Do you prefer to see any doctor and have zero or a very low out of pocket cost offered by a Medigap plan
It is important to understand and compare all available options before you make an important decision such as a Medicare plan. We recommend using one of our independent Medicare insurance agents to help you through the process.
Learn More About Medicare PPO Plans
Medicare PPO plans are just one option you have for your Medicare-related insurance coverage. They are not the same as Medigap plans. The coverage is different so you’ll want to understand both types of plans before you make your choice.
Medicare PPO plans might be a good option if you travel frequently or if you want the freedom to see any Medicare-approved doctor without a referral.
You’ll likely have to pay more for your Medicare PPO plan than you would for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare PPO plans also require you to pay an annual deductible.
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers wants to be your preferred Medicare insurance expert! Please call one of our Medicare certified insurance agents for help answer questions and enrolling into a plan.
Medicare beneficiaries have many plan options, some plans are good and others are great. Let us help you find a great plan.
