Just FYI, Medicare Advantage programs do not, necessarily, limit the client to a network. Some do, and are analogous to HMOs. But others are not though have a lower co-pay for PCP and specialists 'in network.' The Medicare Advantage program I'm in includes Cleveland Clinic, Mayo and Sloan-Kettering and other top facilities as 'in network' which was very reassuring last year when I needed one of them.

I pay a $0.00 premium. Had I agreed to an HMO model, the provider, I'd have $0.00 and the program would have paid me $75/month. A friend took that option but I'm not a fan of HMO restrictions.

A long phone call to Medicare led to a very-helpful Medicare representative answering all of my questions and her asking the right questions to help us understand what would be my best option.

One important thing to remember is that, under Medicare regs, one can only change Medicare supplements or Advantage programs during the annual Open Enrollment period, with a few exceptions. So it's important to make a list of one's current doctors and hospital-of-choice and make sure that the coverage includes them. And double-check with the doctors and hospital as these things can change without notice.*

There are a zillion companies offering Medicare supplements and 'advantage' models and the quality varies from excellent to dangerously poor. And, unlike many other commercial transactions, the cost is not necessarily indicative of quality. [A friend has health care aides. We've been able to get 3 of them far better, and cheaper, care by shopping around. It's a strange marketplace, I think relying on peoples' confusion and mis-info.]

I had a convoluted, and ridiculously expensive, path to current good dental health and stability. I empathize with how tricky it can get to avoid one problem while addressing another. And how getting the basics under control first are critical. Kudos to Lori and you both for thoughtful, helpful problem-solving in @tmtm4's situation.

*Some programs are called insurance. E.g., one of the United Healthcare plans offered by AARP. One can pick up, or drop, Medicare insurance at any time during the year without waiting for the Open Enrollment period.