What is the difference between a Medicare HMO and a PPO?

A Medicare Advantage HMO (Health Maintenance Organization plan) generally asks you to use doctors and hospitals within the plan's network and to pick a primary care doctor, and it often requires a referral (your primary doctor's approval) to see a specialist. A Medicare Advantage PPO (Preferred Provider Organization plan) lets you see providers both in and out of network, usually without referrals, though out-of-network care costs more. Both are types of Medicare Advantage plans (Part C, your Medicare benefits delivered through a private plan), and with either you still pay the Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026). HMO plans often have lower costs in exchange for tighter network rules, while PPO plans offer more freedom at a higher price. Which fits depends on whether your doctors are in network and how much flexibility you want.