There is a difference between Medicare Advantage plans:
- HMO plans. Yes, very restrictive, agree to avoid, I would not want to be one.
- PPO plans. Flexible, you choose any doctors that accept medicare, want within the network, no pre-approvables for specialists necessary.
- Company sponsored PPO plans. Probably the best, as they are for a limited audience and may have additional benefits for that audience.
These distinctions I never see made in the "evils of Medicare Advantage" videos
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We are fortunate to be on the latter. We have better coverage under this plan than our pre-retiree health insurance, with lower premiums and deductibles.
I understand that most people may not have this option. But if one does, it might be good to look into it. I am glad I researched and compared these types of Medicare Advantage plans, as we would be paying a lot more with Medicare + Supplements.