What percentage of seniors use Medicare Advantage plans?
Asked by: Prof. Domenico White | Last update: November 17, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)
What percentage of seniors are on Medicare Advantage plans?
(Medicare Advantage enrollment in 2024 now totals 33 million, or 54% of all eligible beneficiaries.)
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 is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
- 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.
The Difference Between Medicare and Medicare Advantage
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 ...
Why are seniors choosing Medicare an advantage over traditional Medicare?
People with Medicare are drawn to Medicare Advantage for the extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, like reduced cost-sharing, dental coverage, gym memberships and debit cards for over-the-counter medical supplies that are not covered by traditional Medicare.
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 are the negatives of a Medicare Advantage plan?
- 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.
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 don't doctors like Medicare Advantage plans?
Many doctors and healthcare physicians don't like Medicare Advantage plans due to coverage restrictions, limited networking, and overpayment rates, which cause increasing difficulties for patients. Since pre-authorization and referral requirements often impede patients' needs, doctors refuse to accept these plans.
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 disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare for seniors?
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.
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.
Why are hospitals refusing Medicare Advantage plans?
Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. Some systems have noted that most MA carriers have faced allegations of billing fraud from the federal government and are being probed by lawmakers over their high denial rates.
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.