Why would a customer leave a Medicare Advantage plan?
Asked by: Laila Kris | Last update: September 3, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (55 votes)
Why do people leave 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.
Why would someone disenroll from Medicare Advantage?
Beneficiaries who are in poorer health and have higher health care spending are more likely to leave their MA plan than their counterparts. Other research has found that disenrollment rates can reflect issues in access to care and cost.
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 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.
8 Reasons to DELAY Medicare Past 65 That Will Save You Thousands and Avoid ALL Penalties
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 do agents push Medicare Advantage plans?
Why do brokers push Advantage plans so hard? It's money. Sorry, that's the honest truth. The commission for an Advantage plan can be roughly double that of the most popular Medicare supplement plan and it's paid all at one time.
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.
Why do healthcare workers not 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.
Is it a good idea to switch to Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans can be full of extra benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, hearing, and vision coverage. Another advantage of a Medicare Advantage plan is a mandatory out-of-pocket maximum. A possible disadvantage of a Medicare Advantage plan is you can't have a Medicare Supplement plan with it.
What is the ICEP for Medicare Advantage?
ICEP is your first opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you enroll in an MA plan during your ICEP, your coverage will start on the same day as your Original Medicare coverage.
Can you be dropped from Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans may discontinue your Medicare Advantage coverage if you don't pay your premium within the grace period allowed by the Medicare Advantage plan.
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.
Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?
In recent years, physician groups and some policymakers have raised concerns that physicians would opt out of Medicare due to reductions in Medicare payments for many Part B services, potentially leading to a shortage of physicians willing to treat people with Medicare.
What companies are pulling out of Medicare Advantage plans?
Plan Exits and Closures
Humana, CVS Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare collectively impact over 1.2 million members due to their plan closures. Eighteen marketing brands — including Premera Blue Cross and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City — are exiting the market entirely in 2025, affecting tens of thousands of ...
Why do people disenroll from Medicare Advantage?
- a change in healthcare needs.
- requiring a higher or lower benefit range.
- cost.
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.
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.
Do all 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 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.
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.
How much do agents make selling Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage Commissions
2023 commissions for most U.S. states are $601 for persons new to Medicare and $301 for renewals. Commissions are even higher in some U.S. states like California. Commissions are paid in advance. Renewal commissions stay level for the life of the policy.
Is Medicare getting rid of Advantage plans?
Many older adults will see their Medicare Advantage plan eliminated next year, but that could be a boon for those who want to exit the program and move to government-run Medicare. Medicare Advantage, the privately run alternative to traditional Medicare, now enrolls more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries.