What percentage of beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage?

Asked by: Wilma Fisher  |  Last update: November 23, 2025
Score: 5/5 (28 votes)

More than half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2024. In 2024, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries – 32.8 million people out of 61.2 million Medicare beneficiaries with both Medicare Parts A and B – are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.

What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage?

In 2022, Medicare Advantage covered half of all Medicare beneficiaries (50%), or 29.9 million people with Medicare. (Medicare Advantage enrollment in 2024 now totals 33 million, or 54% of all eligible beneficiaries.)

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.

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.

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.

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32 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.

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.

Why are seniors losing their Medicare Advantage plans?

Health systems and hospitals are also making the decision to cancel contracts due to excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. Already 27 health systems have canceled their Medicare Advantage contracts this year.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why is Humana losing Medicare Advantage plans?

To protect profits, Humana and its peers in MA slashed their plans for 2025, cutting benefits and exiting underperforming markets. Plans appear to have focused cuts around supplemental benefits like over-the-counter and flex cards, which give seniors funds to spend on eligible items.

What is the denial rate for Medicare Advantage plans?

While the rate of requests remained steady, plans denied 7.4% of them on average in 2022. This is an increase from 5.7% in 2019 and 5.8% in 2021. When plans deny a request for prior authorization, they must explain their decision in writing.

Why are hospitals refusing 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.

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.

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.

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.

What percentage of retirees use Medicare 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.

What are the negatives of a Medicare Advantage plan?

Key Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans
  • Restrictive networks. ...
  • High out-of-pocket costs. ...
  • Prior authorization requirements. ...
  • Plans change each year. ...
  • Aggressive marketing and sales tactics. ...
  • Know your Medicare Insurance options. ...
  • Consider current and future needs.

Which company has the best Medicare Advantage plan?

Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
  • 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 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.