"When it's time for you to see a specialist or have a procedure done at a surgery center, your doctor will refer you to the best specialist, the best imaging center and the best hospital, all in the same network, for your continuing care," Cascell said.

The main difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is that Medicare offers the ability to choose your physicians and other health care providers, as long as those providers accept Medicare, and a vast majority of providers do, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Open enrollment periods are starting soon for next year's health insurance decisions, whether for Medicare, employer-provided plans or Covered California. You've probably received brochures and postcards touting one plan or another. There are so many choices, it can be overwhelming.