Evaluate your options with Medicare Advantage plans

Not everyone wants the same things from their Medicare Advantage plan. For example, a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan includes Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and a Medicare Advantage plan does not. Reliance Medicare offers a variety of plan types and coverage options to fit your needs.

Reliance Medicare Helpline offers plans from Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Devoted, Freedom Health, Healthy Blue, Humana, Optimum HealthCare, Simply, United Healthcare, Wellcare, and WellPoint.

How do HMO and PPO differ?

We break down the differences between the two most frequently selected plan types.

HMO

Health Maintenance Organization

These plans are typically less expensive than PPO plans. However, there are some additional requirements for care that allow these plans to cost less.

Their coverage only extends to in-network doctors, hospitals, specialists, and clinics – with few exceptions. If you choose to get treatment from an out-of-network provider, you will be responsible for 100% of the cost. However, many plans have a large network, so check with a licensed sales agent to see if your preferred healthcare providers are in-network for the plan you're interested in. 

Most HMO plans require you to select a primary care physician. This doctor oversees your medical needs and refers you to specialists, if necessary. Some HMO plans require you to have a referral from your primary care physician before treatment from a specialist will be covered.

PPO

Preferred Provider Organization

PPO plans typically cost more than HMOs but they come with more flexibility. Most PPO plans require you to pay a monthly premium and have a higher deductible for medical care. 

Unlike some HMOs, you generally are not required to select a primary care physician and you won’t need a referral for specialist visits.

In most cases, you’ll be covered by both in-network and out-of-network doctors and hospitals. However, your out-of-pocket costs will be lower if you get care from in-network providers.