What are the differences between traditional Medicare and a Medicare HMO?
• In a Medicare HMO you must always see your Primary Care Physician (PCP) first. You cannot see a specialist without a referral from your PCP. You can only see health care providers that are part of the HMO’s list of approved service providers. You must see providers within a specific area. There are fixed co-payments at every visit. There are no annual deductibles to pay. • In traditional Medicare you can choose any doctor, hospital, nursing home, or pharmacist you wish to provide you with health care. You are covered for care given anywhere in the United States. You choose which health care procedures to have performed and when.
