What types of providers can beneficiaries see under Medicare Advantage plans?

Beneficiaries under Medicare Advantage plans typically can only see providers who are part of the plan's network. These plans are designed as managed care options, which means that they often require members to choose from a specific group of healthcare providers who have agreed to provide services at negotiated rates. This network-based structure helps to manage costs and ensure coordinated care.

While some Medicare Advantage plans may offer out-of-network options or larger networks that allow for more flexibility, the primary restriction is that to get the most benefit and lower out-of-pocket costs, members need to utilize the providers within the established network. As such, seeing providers outside of this network could lead to higher costs or limited coverage.

This approach differs from traditional Medicare, where beneficiaries are generally free to see any provider that accepts Medicare. Hence, the option indicating that beneficiaries can only see those who are part of the plan’s network accurately reflects the constraints and structure of Medicare Advantage plans.