Key Takeaways
- Staying in-network usually costs you less.
- HMO and PPO plans use networks differently.
- Always confirm your doctors are in-network.
A network is the collection of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies a plan has contracted with to provide care at negotiated rates. Using in-network providers typically means lower out-of-pocket costs.
Before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan, it is wise to confirm your preferred doctors and hospitals participate in the plan’s network.