Is Aetna Medicare Advantage better than Medicare?
Asked by: Mrs. Birdie Gutmann MD | Last update: March 18, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (9 votes)
What is the difference between Medicare and Aetna Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans are a lot like Original Medicare. But they can include valuable extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't. These benefits can include dental, hearing and vision care, and fitness memberships.
Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?
There are zero circumstances where Medicare Advantage is better than Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement. However, if your question is just about carrying ONLY Original Medicare with no backstop insurance behind it then literally ANY Medicare Advantage policy is better than Original Medicare by itself.
What is the downside of a Medicare Advantage plan?
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.
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.
Aetna Vs Blue Cross Medicare Plans What Would I Choose In 2024?
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.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.
Do most hospitals accept Medicare Advantage?
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.
What is the best medical insurance company for seniors?
AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company for Medigap plans in 2025. For most people, the best company for Medigap coverage is AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
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.
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 is Medicare Supplement better than Advantage Plan?
Summary: Medicare Advantage offers broader coverage including prescription drugs and dental care, while Medicare Supplement focuses on covering most out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private insurers with network restrictions, whereas Medicare Supplement allows freedom of provider choice.
Do I still pay Medicare premiums with an Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
You must keep paying your Part B premium to stay in your plan. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
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 is Aetna dropping Medicare Advantage plans?
Why do Medicare Advantage plans get discontinued? Some plans are discontinued to make room for new plans. Other plans are discontinued so we can update plan benefits to better serve members.
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 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 are doctors dropping Medicare Advantage?
Providers often argue that Medicare Advantage plans impose restrictions that can hinder patient care. Low reimbursement rates, complicated billing recesses and stringent pre-authorization requirements have pushed CFOs to their boiling point.
Does Mayo Clinic accept Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes, Mayo Clinic is a participating Medicare facility in Arizona, in Florida, in Rochester, Minnesota, and at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. We accept original or traditional Medicare (Parts A, B, and D), as well as supplements. We do not accept noncontracted Medicare Advantage Plans.
Are there any 5 star Medicare Advantage plans?
"There isn't one Medicare Advantage plan that's the highest-rated; there are multiple plans that get an overall rating of 5 stars, which is the highest rating from CMS.