What will happen to Medicare Advantage in 2025?

Asked by: Dr. Dejuan Glover  |  Last update: August 15, 2025
Score: 5/5 (58 votes)

Medicare Advantage Highlights for 2025 Nearly one-third (32%) of Medicare Advantage plans will offer some reduction in the Medicare Part B premium in 2025, an increase compared to 2024 (19%). Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans (97% or more) are offering vision, dental and hearing, as they have in previous years.

Will Medicare Advantage plans be available in 2025?

In total, 3,719 Medicare Advantage plans are available nationwide for individual enrollment in 2025 – a 6% decrease from the number of plans (240 fewer plans) offered in 2024 (Appendix Figure 1).

Is Medicare Advantage going to be eliminated?

Insurance carriers may decide to end certain Medicare Advantage plans altogether. If that happens, you should be notified by October 2. Your coverage will continue through the end of the year, but you must choose a new plan for 2025.

Are seniors going to lose Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Advantage plans are being impacted all over the country: One analysis estimates that a total of 1.8 million customers will lose their plans next year. In Vermont, MVP and WellCare are dropping two MA plans in January 2025.

Why are Medicare Advantage plans being cancelled?

The purpose of insurance companies running Medicare Advantage plans is to make money, pure and simple. Seniors across the country rely on these plans — yet the record shows that insurers don't value the quality and affordability of care, and don't want beneficiaries to use the medical services they need.

2025 Medicare Costs Are Out | Here’s How Much They Went Up

20 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.

Is Humana pulling out of Medicare Advantage plans?

Humana declined to name the areas; about 560,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries impacted. Humana will stop offering Medicare Advantage (MA) in 13 counties in 2025, Humana CFO Susan Diamond said in a published report in Becker's Payer Issues dated Sept.

Why are doctors dropping Medicare Advantage?

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.

How much will Medicare cost in 2025 for seniors?

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024.

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 do people leave Medicare Advantage?

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 happens to Medicare in 2026?

For the first time, Medicare is able to negotiate directly with manufacturers for the price of certain high-spending brand-name Medicare Part B and Part D drugs that don't have competition. Prices have been negotiated for the first 10 drugs selected and will be effective in 2026.

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.

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.

What changes are coming to Medicare Advantage plans in 2024?

Highlights for 2024:

In 2024, three quarters (75%) of enrollees in individual Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage pay no premium other than the Medicare Part B premium, which is a big selling point for beneficiaries, particularly those living on modest incomes and savings.

What will the donut hole be in 2025?

It's important to know that starting in 2025, the Part D donut hole is eliminated. Instead, once your out-of-pocket prescription drug costs reach $2,000, you enter the catastrophic coverage phase—and pay nothing for covered medications for the rest of the year.

What will Medicare Advantage do in 2025?

Medicare Advantage Highlights for 2025

Nearly one-third (32%) of Medicare Advantage plans will offer some reduction in the Medicare Part B premium in 2025, an increase compared to 2024 (19%). Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans (97% or more) are offering vision, dental and hearing, as they have in previous years.

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 are the changes coming to Social Security in 2025?

Social Security's earnings test limits also rose in 2025. This year, seniors who work and collect benefits will be able to earn more money without risking having a portion of their Social Security withheld.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Millions of seniors will lose access to their Medicare Advantage plans after major insurer cuts in the aftermath of the Inflation Reduction Act. Experts spoke with Newsweek about what's going on and what steps seniors can take to get the coverage they need.

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 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 companies are dropping Medicare Advantage plans?

Van Gorder said the health system is facing a loss of $75 million this year on the MA contracts, which will end Dec. 31 for patients covered by UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Centene's Health Net and a few more smaller carriers.

What went wrong with Humana?

Humana's stock dived when it announced a sharp decline in memberships for the top-rated Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. There are serious concerns among investors that the company may not be as attractive an income investment play as it used to be. Humana earns revenue through healthcare services and health insurance.

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.