Are people happy with Medicare Advantage plans?
Asked by: Elda McDermott MD | Last update: July 24, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)
Why do some people not like Medicare Advantage?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
Are most people happy with their Medicare Advantage plans?
According to a new survey released today from the Commonwealth Fund, 96% of Medicare Advantage (MA) members and 93% of enrollees in traditional Medicare said that their Medicare coverage met their expectations, including 65% of each group who said their coverage fully met their expectations.
What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons
One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
Comparing Advantage VS Supplemental COST on $200k Hospital Stay 🤔
Why are hospitals refusing Medicare Advantage plans?
Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.
Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage
Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.
Why is original Medicare better than Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans typically require that you use care providers within a geographic service area, and once you get outside that area, you'll be covered for emergency care only. Original Medicare offers access to a national network of providers — no matter where you are in the U.S. Like to minimize risk.
Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.
Do doctors like Medicare Advantage plans?
Many doctors and healthcare physicians don't like Medicare Advantage plans due to coverage restrictions, limited networking, and overpayment rates, which cause increasing difficulties for patients. Since pre-authorization and referral requirements often impede patients' needs, doctors refuse to accept these plans.
Why would anyone want a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans provide a financial safety net due to a set annual out-of-pocket limit. If your costs reach the limit, then your plan covers 100 percent of your Medicare-covered health care costs for the rest of the year.
What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthCare?
Cons About UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
You may only have access to certain HMO or PPO plans in your area. And while UnitedHealthCare has competitive pricing, your location may only have access to plans with higher deductibles, more copays, and fewer additional benefits.
Do all hospitals accept Medicare Advantage plans?
While most hospitals do accept Original Medicare, there may be some that do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans. However, if you have a medical emergency while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can seek care at any ER or hospital in the country.
Why is a Medicare supplement better than an advantage plan?
Consider Original Medicare with a Medigap plan if you:
Original Medicare with a Medigap plan gives you access to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Intend to travel. Medicare Advantage plans come with limited service areas; if you travel outside, you may have to pay out of pocket for medical care.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
What is the downside of a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Many people choose MA plans for their extra benefits and out-of-pocket limits. But MA plans have some potential disadvantages. They have smaller provider networks and often require prior authorization. And with an MA plan, you won't have access to Medigap supplement insurance to cover your out-of-pocket costs.
What is the two midnight rule for Medicare Advantage?
The two-midnight presumption directs medical reviewers to select Original Fee-for-Service Medicare Part A claims for review under a presumption that hospital stays that span two midnights after an inpatient admission are reasonable and necessary Part A payment.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
Why seniors are choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare?
People with Medicare are drawn to Medicare Advantage for the extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, like reduced cost-sharing, dental coverage, gym memberships and debit cards for over-the-counter medical supplies that are not covered by traditional Medicare.
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Why are hospitals not taking Medicare Advantage plans?
Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.
Why are payers exiting Medicare Advantage?
BCBS Kansas City exited the Medicare Advantage market at the end of 2024, citing increasing regulatory requirements and financial headwinds. Aetna is bracing to lose up to 10% of its more than 4 million Medicare Advantage members in 2025 as it prioritizes profitability, executives said in May.
Is Humana pulling out of Medicare Advantage plans?
Humana declined to name the areas; about 560,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries impacted. Humana will stop offering Medicare Advantage (MA) in 13 counties in 2025, Humana CFO Susan Diamond said in a published report in Becker's Payer Issues dated Sept.