Private fee-for-service plans are Medicare Advantage plans that allow you to receive care from any hospital or doctor that accepts the plan’s coverage.
The plan does not have to follow Medicare guidelines, though, when it comes to paying for the services you receive. (It can cost more or less than Medicare). However, these plans often offer more coverage than Original Medicare.
Private fee-for-service plans sometimes include prescription drug coverage, but if they don’t, you’re allowed to purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan (that’s not the case with other Medicare Advantage plans).