The most common Medicare Advantage plans are HMO and PPO plans. In an HMO plan, beneficiaries have a primary care physician and outside of emergencies, are required to receive care from in-network providers. PPO plans offer more freedom to see providers - in or out of network. With a PPO, plan enrollees do not need a primary care physician. PPOs are typically more expensive than HMOs. With both types of plans, beneficiaries must receive their drug coverage through the plan. 

PFFS plans do not require a primary care physician. With a PFFS plan, beneficiaries can go to any provider that accepts Medicare as long as they accept the plan's terms. These plans may include drug coverage or may be coupled with a stand-alone prescription drug plan. 

A Special Needs Plan provides medicare benefits to enrollees with specific needs or diseases. There are 3 types of SNPs - D-SNPs, C-SNPs, and I-SNPs. D-SNPs or Dual Eligible SNPs are offered to those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. C-SNPs or Chronic Condition SNPs are offered to beneficiaries with a qualifying chronic condition, such as diabetes. I-SNPs or Institutional SNPs are plans that meet the needs of those living in long-term care facilities. 

An MSA plan is a special type of high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan. With an MSA plan, a beneficiary receives a savings account, in which the plan deposits an annual sum of money intended for medical expenses. Only after the high deductible is met will the MSA plan begin to cover additional costs. 

Medicare Cost Plans are similar to Medicare Advantage plans. They are more flexible in allowing a beneficiary to choose a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) and to use out-of-network providers. These plans, however, are only available in specific areas of the country.