Are PCP selections required in a PFFS plan?

In a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan, selecting a primary care physician (PCP) is not a requirement. Members have the flexibility to see any Medicare-approved provider without the need for a PCP designation or prior authorization for services. This characteristic allows individuals enrolled in PFFS plans to experience greater freedom in choosing healthcare providers compared to some other Medicare Advantage plans, where PCP selection might be mandatory. Since referrals are also not typically needed in PFFS plans, beneficiaries can directly access specialists and other healthcare services without navigating through a PCP first. This structure is designed to offer a more straightforward approach to accessing medical care.