Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Medicare Advantage plan?

A Medicare Advantage plan, which is also known as Medicare Part C, typically includes a variety of healthcare services and often combines them into a single plan that replaces original Medicare. One important characteristic of these plans is their structure regarding provider networks.

Out-of-network provider flexibility is generally limited in most Medicare Advantage plans, as they are designed to encourage beneficiaries to use a specific network of providers. While some plans may offer out-of-network coverage, it often comes with higher costs or limited benefits compared to in-network usage. Therefore, out-of-network provider flexibility does not accurately describe the standard characteristics of a Medicare Advantage plan.

On the other hand, coverage for preventive services is a standard feature that helps beneficiaries stay healthy and avoid more costly procedures down the line. Transportation to medical appointments is a supplemental benefit often provided by Medicare Advantage plans to enhance access to care. Furthermore, while Medicare Advantage plans do cover all hospital services, this coverage typically must be accessed through network providers, further emphasizing the limited flexibility concerning out-of-network services.