AARP Medicare Advantage plans cover features and benefits in addition to those included in Original Medicare. Members in some areas may have different plans from which to choose. The plans often include an integrated Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans have a defined network of contracted local physicians and hospitals to provide member care. Generally, members must use these care providers to receive benefits for covered services, except in emergencies. Some HMO plans do not need referrals for specialty care.
Point of Service (HMO-POS) plans include all the features of HMO plans plus the ability to go outside the contracted network for certain health care services - typically at a higher cost. Some POS plans do not require referrals for specialty care.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer members access to a network of contracted physicians and hospitals, but also allow them the flexibility to seek covered services from outside of the contracted network, usually at a higher cost. Members do not need a referral for specialty care.
PPO plans are available as either local PPO (certain counties within a state) or regional PPO (RPPO) offerings. RPPOs serve a larger geographic area - either a single state or a multi-state area. RPPOs offer the same premiums, benefits and cost-sharing requirements to all members in the region.
Key Resources
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and DSNP Quick Reference Guide
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and DSNP Plan Overview Course
- 2025 Medicare Advantage and DSNP Quick Reference Guide
- 2025 Medicare Advantage and DSNP Plan Overview Course
Tools and Resources - AARP® Medicare Advantage Plans
- Inflation Reduction Act
- Medicare Advantage Benefit Plan Names
- Medicare Advantage Chiropractic and Acupuncture Coverage – Quick Reference Guide
- Medicare Advantage Copayment Guidelines
- Medicare Advantage Home Health Services Frequently Asked Questions
- Medicare Advantage Member Rights and Responsibilities
- Medicare Advantage Non-Contracted Provider Dispute and Appeal Rights
- Medicare Advantage Preventive Screening Guidelines
- Medicare Advantage Service Area Reductions for 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
- Readmission Review Program Clinical Guidelines
- Readmission Review Program Frequently Asked Questions
- UnitedHealthcare Administrative Guide
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare National Network and UnitedHealth Passport
- Medicare Advantage Drug Formulary - UHC.com/medicare (enter zipcode and select plan)
Additional Plan Information
To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans offered in your area, visit UHC.com/medicare and enter your ZIP code.
Medicare Part D Information
To learn more about Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage or to access related forms, review the materials available on the Plan Information and Forms page of UHC.com/medicare.