FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the 2014 Medicare open enrollment is nearing, new and upgraded Medicare plans are set to hit the market. A certain type of plan is making a comeback. HMO's are becoming the new "it" plan. Medicare advantage plans tend to have two types of networks, PPO and HMO networks. When surveying seniors in Broward County, most seniors quickly stated they didn't want anything to do with HMO plans. When asked why, 77% of respondents claimed they did not like obtaining referrals to see a specialist, no out of state coverage, and coverage is too expensive.
Needing a referral to see a specialist is standard on most HMO Advantage plans. However, most seniors just don't like the idea. When seniors were asked if they needed to see a specialist, how do they find one? Over 90% stated that they ask their primary care physician for a recommendation. In reality, needing a referral is the same thing. Most seniors trusted whom the doctor recommended, so why not put it on paper?
Another complaint mentioned by seniors is that HMO's don't have out of state or out of network coverage. This is not completely true. Most HMO plans cover out of state and out of network benefits for emergency situations. For instance, if you reside in Pennsylvania and are visiting Florida, and then happen to have a heat stroke while at the beach and rushed to the nearest hospital, you will be covered under your HMO. You will be covered for emergencies no matter where you are, regardless if you are out of state or even out of the country for some plans.
When you compare benefits between a HMO and PPO, a HMO plan will almost always win. Most HMO plans tend to have lower doctor visit copayments, lower emergency room copayments; and most importantly, lower per day cost share for hospital stays. Also, many HMO plans include extra benefits such as Dental, vision, hearing, and some plans even offer all three.
Medicare Advantage plans are very popular plans. It's important to find the right one for your situation. Don't take away an important option by refusing to look into a HMO plan. To look for Medicare Advantage plans or to speak to a licensed agent, start by visiting www.MedicareMedics.com