What is better, an advantage plan or a supplemental plan?
Asked by: Mr. Emilio Schoen III | Last update: May 9, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (21 votes)
Is an advantage plan better than a supplement?
Medicare Advantage plans market heavily, but they are generally inferior to a plan G supplement. They generally limit you to their network, require referrals to specialists, and do a lot of utilization management (ie require prior authorization, deny services). A supplement will give you the most choice in your care.
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.
What is the downside to Medicare Supplement plans?
There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.
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.
Do I need a Medicare Supplement Plan?
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.
What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?
💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?
One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.
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.
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 are hospitals dropping 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 is a plan G better than an advantage plan?
Medigap Plan G offers more comprehensive benefits than the Medicare Advantage plan and is more widely available. It also provides more freedom for enrollees. For example, a Medigap Plan G enrollee can visit a specialist without a referral.
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.
Which company has the best Medicare Advantage Plan?
- Best Overall, Best for Low Costs: Cigna.
- Also Great for Low Costs: Alignment Health.
- Best for Nationwide Coverage: Aetna.
- Best for Patient Experience, Best for Drug Coverage: Kaiser Permanente.
- Best for Special Needs Plans: Humana.
Why do people say not to get 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.
Which is the best Medicare Supplement or 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.
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.
Is there a Medicare plan that pays 100%?
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.
Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare Part?
Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.
Do medicare advantage plan premiums increase with age?
Can I be charged a higher premium for Medicare Advantage plans if I have a pre-existing condition or if I smoke? No, Medicare Advantage plans charge the same premiums to all enrollees; they are not permitted to vary premiums based on age, smoking history, gender, or pre-existing medical conditions.
What age should you get supplemental insurance?
If you are 65 or older, you may be able to purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance plan during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts for six months and begins on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Why does AARP recommend UnitedHealthcare?
AARP does not necessarily argue that UnitedHealthcare is the right choice for every Medicare beneficiary, but it does proclaim it as a trusted healthcare partner and resource. Of course, there may be an additional reason other than UHCs good name. UnitedHealthcare pays AARP for the use of its name.
Do most doctors accept Medicare Supplement plans?
The short answer is “No”. However, if a doctor accepts Medicare itself, which is your primary coverage, then they will also accept your Medigap plan, regardless of what company sold you the plan or which Medigap plan you have. The key thing to remember is that Medigap plans “follow” Medicare.