What percentage of Americans are on Medicare Advantage?

Asked by: Madison Reichel  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (11 votes)

In 2024, 32.8 million people are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, accounting for more than half, or 54 percent, of the eligible Medicare population, and $462 billion (or 54%) of total federal Medicare spending (net of offsetting receipts, such as premiums).

Why are people dropping 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 biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is that you have fewer doctors to choose from when you get medical care.
  • Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
  • With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.

How many people switch from Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

Among the 15 percent of all beneficiaries who had switched coverage in the past two years, 35 percent said they switched from traditional Medicare to an MA plan and 49 percent said they switched from one MA plan to another.

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.

Medicare Advantage Plans Often Deny Needed Care - Federal Report Finds

21 related questions found

Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Both plans have formularies. Other benefits: Original Medicare does not cover vision, hearing, or dental services. Medicare Advantage plans may cover additional services, including vision, hearing, and/or dental, but those additional benefits may increase your premium and/or other out-of-pocket costs.

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.

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.

Are most people happy with Medicare Advantage?

Beneficiaries in Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans say they're largely happy, but have plenty of issues with each program. When Americans are asked what they think about Medicare, they generally rate the program highly.

What states are only covered by Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage + Medicare supplement states (21 states + DC): AR, CA, FL, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, TX, WA, WI. Medicare Advantage only states: AL, AZ, CO, CT, GA, IL, KY, ME, MI, MO, NH, PA, WV.

Why is Medicare Advantage not a good 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.

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.

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 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.

Who is the largest Medicare Advantage provider?

Why we picked it: A large network of medical providers means it may be easier to find a doctor or specialist who takes your insurance.
  • UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. ...
  • Aetna is a CVS Health company and is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.

Why are seniors leaving 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.

What percentage of retirees are on Advantage plans?

Forty-five percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2022, a share that is projected to rise to more than 50 percent by 2025.

Why do people choose Medigap over Medicare Advantage?

Under Advantage plans, the government pays insurers to provide all of the care under a private policy. Medigap also allows retirees to choose their doctors. Advantage plans operate like HMOs, which control the cost of care by requiring policyholders to stay within an approved network of providers.

Are there any 5 star Medicare Advantage plans?

The 5-star Special Enrollment Period provides an opportunity for you to switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage-only plan, a 5-star Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage, or a 5-star Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

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.

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.