What percentage of seniors are on Medicare Advantage?

Asked by: Emerald Torp  |  Last update: November 26, 2025
Score: 5/5 (64 votes)

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 percent of seniors have Medicare Advantage?

More than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2024. The share of Medicare beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans varies across states, ranging from 2% to 63%.

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 seniors losing 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.

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.

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38 related questions found

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is Medicare Advantage going away in 2025?

The press release stated that “average premiums, benefits, and plan choices for Medicare Advantage (MA) and the Medicare Part D prescription drug program will remain stable in 2025.” Noting that average premiums for MA plans and Part D plans are decreasing, CMS states that rebate dollars paid to MA plans, “which can be ...

Is original Medicare better than an advantage plan?

More coverage can offer more peace of mind, so you don't get surprise medical bills in the event of a sudden injury or illness. Medicare Advantage plans can also offer more benefits than 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

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 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 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.

What is the downside of a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Many people choose MA plans for their extra benefits and out-of-pocket limits. But MA plans have some potential disadvantages. They have smaller provider networks and often require prior authorization. And with an MA plan, you won't have access to Medigap supplement insurance to cover your out-of-pocket costs.

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.