Medicare Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are Medicare Advantage plans, much like Medicare HMOs. You will usually be responsible for paying fixed copays if you use in-network providers. The plan must cover you if you get care out of network. Your costs will be higher if you get care of out the plan’s network. PPOs provide Medicare benefits and may offer some additional benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. These benefits can include vision and dental care.

Some states do not have Medicare PPOs. For states that have them, Medicare PPOs are only available in certain areas. Call your State Insurance Department or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find out if there is a PPO in your area.