• The Social Security Act of 1964 created Medicare in order to help ensure that elderly (age 65 and older) and disabled people are able to receive adequate medical coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans are part of the Medicare program. These plans are provided by private insurance companies for the purpose of supplementing Medicare hospital, outpatient medical and prescription coverage. Different types of Medicare Advantage plans exist, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans. HMO plans are tightly managed plans that require using a set network of providers for medical services in order for services to be covered. PPO plans also use a network of providers. However, out-of-network providers may be covered if the insured person pays a higher rate. PFFS allows the individual to see any provider as long as the provider agrees to accept the Medicare Advantage plan.
  
  

AARP

• AARP consistently has very high ratings for its Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription and Medigap plans. The Medicare Advantage plan goes by the name of MedicareComplete and also includes prescription coverage. More than 60,000 pharmacies accept AARP coverage, so it is highly likely that an AARP plan is available for your area. AARP has one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals. AARP's MedicareComplete plan covers annual physical exams, immunizations, worldwide emergency care and wellness programs. The plan's premium may be as low as $0 per month for low-income individuals. AARP offers PPFS, PPO and HMO plans. For more information, see aarphealthcare.com.
  
  

Humana

• Humana consistently receives high ratings for its Medicare plans for supplemental and prescription drug coverage. Humana offers a Gold Choice PFFS plan that includes prescription drug coverage, an affordable monthly premium, no co-payments for preventative services such as cancer screenings and routine physical exams, and coverage for a wide range of medical providers. Humana's Gold Choice PFFS plan does not require referrals from a primary physician to see specialists. The only requirement for seeing specialists is that the specialist must accept Humana's plan. Humana also offers HMO and PPO plans. See humana-medicare.com.
  
  

Anthem

• Anthem offers a comprehensive Medicare supplemental plan that pays for many prescription drug costs, medical services not covered by original Medicare and coverage for preventative health services. Anthem typically receives high ratings from individuals that utilize Anthem plans. Anthem is accepted by numerous medical providers. However, fewer regions have Anthem Medicare Advantage plans available than Humana or AARP. Anthem offers PFFS, HMO and PPO plans but plans available vary between regions. Check with Anthem in order to ensure that a plan is available: anthem.com.