How much does Medicare Senior Advantage cost?

Asked by: Prof. Warren Nader  |  Last update: July 19, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)

The estimated average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium for 2025 is expected to decrease slightly to $17—from $18.50 in 2024—but this cost may vary based on the insurer and level of coverage. Some plan premiums could be $0, while others could be $200 or more.

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.

How much do most Medicare Advantage plans cost monthly?

Costs of Medicare Advantage

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average monthly plan premium for all Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 is around $17. In addition to the MA plan premium, Medicare members enrolled in an MA plan are responsible for their Part B premium ($185 in 2025).

Are Medicare Advantage plans cheaper than original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage is not more expensive than regular Medicare. In fact, my Medicare Advantage plan kicks back all but $10 a month of my Medicare Part B premium.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

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.

NEW: 2025 Medicare Cost Increases CONFIRMED - New Cost Breakdown 💵

24 related questions found

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.

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.

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover 100%?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will only be responsible for the amount up to our out-of-pocket maximum. Once you have reached that threshold, your care will be 100% covered.

How much does UnitedHealthcare cost per month for Medicare?

The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185.00, which is an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2023.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

How much does Medicare pay for home health care per hour?

Medicare will cover 100% of the costs for medically necessary home health care, provided that care is “part time or intermittent.” The care needed must be less than 28 hours per week. The average cost of home health care in 2024 is $29.50 per hour, but it can vary greatly by state.

Can I get Medicare Advantage for free?

Free Medicare Advantage plans aren't actually fully free unless you never seek medical care. Depending on your plan, you may have to pay deductibles, coinsurance or copays when you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

How much does Humana cost per month for seniors?

Premiums for Humana's plans start at $0 per month in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. In 2024, the standard part B premium amount is $174.70, but this number can go all the way up to $594 per month for high-earning seniors3.

What is the monthly cost for Medicare Advantage?

Premiums are the amount you pay each month out-of-pocket for your Medicare Advantage plan. The estimated average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium for 2025 is expected to decrease slightly to $17—from $18.50 in 2024—but this cost may vary based on the insurer and level of coverage.

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.

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.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

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.

What is the cheapest health insurance for seniors?

Medicare is the cheapest health insurance with the best benefits for people age 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability. You can choose between two different options: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?

Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).