Medicare PPO Blue replaces traditional Medicare coverage, as it includes in-patient and outpatient services—plus prescription drug coverage—all in one plan.

It uses a network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Any doctor who is part of the network can be selected as your provider of choice, although it is not required that you select one.

You can go almost anywhere for care without a referral, but your costs are lower when you use in-network, preferred providers.

To enroll in the plan, you must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B.