PPO Plans
While Original Medicare plans come with a universal standard, you can find a greater variety of Medicare Advantage plans. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) administered plans are one such option. PPO plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan that allows members to get their health care treatments from any doctor or health care provider.
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans provide individuals with Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance through an insurance company that has contracted with Medicare to administer such benefits. Medicare Advantage plans may also include supplementary benefits, such as prescription drug coverage or dental, hearing, and vision coverage.
What Is A Preferred Provider Organization Plan?
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans allow you to pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and health care providers within your plan’s network. Yet, they allow you the flexibility to also see doctors outside of your plan’s network. With a preferred provider organization plan, it will cost more to see doctors outside of your network, but your Advantage plan will help pay.
Do PPO Plans Offer Drug Coverage?
If you have a condition that requires prescription drug treatment, you may be curious about your options for prescription drug coverage with a PPO plan. PPO plans can include prescription drug coverage, and oftentimes do. Ask your preferred provider if your policy includes prescription drug coverage before making any commitments. If your PPO plan does not include prescription drug coverage, you can enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan.
How Much Do PPO Plans Cost?
PPO plans cost about the same as any other Medicare Advantage plan. You will be required to pay Part B premiums and in most cases, a Medicare Advantage premium. The Part B premium is a standard rate that is decided each year by Medicare, but your Advantage premium is set by your insurance provider. Visit the medicare.gov website to find current information on Medicare pricing.