Why Medicare Advantage Plans Keep Growing in Popularity—Despite the Critics

Why Medicare Advantage Plans Keep Growing in Popularity—Despite the Critics

Hey there! As someone who lives and breathes Medicare, I can tell you the number one complaint I hear from Medicare consumers about Medicare Advantage plans is the dreaded “network restrictions.” People don’t love the idea of being told which doctors they can and can’t see. I get it. No one wants their healthcare choices limited.

But here’s the reality: almost every insurance plan out there—whether it’s individual, group, or union-based—comes with some sort of network restrictions. It’s not just Medicare Advantage. In fact, most people under 65 are already used to dealing with these networks, and they’re often paying way more for their coverage than folks on Medicare Advantage plans. So, let’s dive into why MA plans are growing in popularity, despite the complaints, and why they might be a better deal than you think.

The Reality of Network Restrictions

When it comes to Medicare Advantage, the biggest point of frustration I hear is about networks. Yes, MA plans typically require you to see doctors within their network. But guess what? That’s no different from the insurance plans most people have before they turn 65. Whether you’ve had an employer plan or individual health insurance, you’ve likely dealt with network restrictions.

The big difference is that Medicare Advantage plans usually come with significantly lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than individual health plans for those under 65. Plus, many of these plans provide benefits and coverage that are comparable—or sometimes better—than traditional health insurance.

The Costs of Original Medicare and Medigap Plans

A lot of people who shy away from Medicare Advantage prefer to combine Original Medicare with a Medigap plan because they want the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. And yes, that freedom can be great. But it comes at a price.

Medigap plans always come with a monthly premium. In some states, that premium can easily top $100 a month, and in places like New York, you might be looking at over $200 a month. Not to mention, Medigap plans don’t cover prescription drugs, so you’ll need a separate Part D plan for that.

Plus, here’s something a lot of people forget: if you turned 65 after January 1, 2020, even the top Medigap plans won’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible. So, you\’re still going to have some out-of-pocket costs to deal with, even with the best supplement plan on the market.

The Top 5 Reasons People Love Medicare Advantage Plans

Now, let’s talk about why Medicare Advantage plans have been growing in popularity. Despite the critics, more people are choosing these plans every year. Here are the top five reasons why:

1. Low or $0 Monthly Premiums
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer premiums as low as $0 per month. That’s right, $0! If you’ve been paying for health insurance before turning 65, you know how rare it is to find a plan with a premium that low. For those looking to keep their costs down, this is a big selling point.

2. Prescription Drug Coverage Included
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. That means you don’t need to shop for a separate drug plan, and it’s all bundled together. If you’re on a Medigap plan, you’ll need to buy a Part D plan separately, which is an extra cost and hassle.

3. Extra Benefits You Won’t Get with Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans often come with benefits that aren’t included in Original Medicare, like dental, vision, hearing aids, transportation to doctor’s appointments, and even fitness programs like SilverSneakers. These extras can add up and are a big reason why people are making the switch to MA plans.

4. Out-of-Pocket Maximums
One of the biggest risks with Original Medicare is that it doesn’t have an out-of-pocket maximum. That means there’s no cap on what you could pay for healthcare in a given year. Medicare Advantage plans, however, do have out-of-pocket limits, which can offer peace of mind if you have a lot of medical expenses.

5. Coordinated Care
Many Medicare Advantage plans focus on coordinated care, meaning your healthcare providers work together to manage your treatment. This can result in better outcomes and fewer unnecessary tests or procedures. If you have chronic conditions, this can be a real game-changer.

Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Growing—Despite the Hate

So, why are Medicare Advantage plans becoming more popular, even with the complaints about network restrictions? Simply put: they offer a lot of value. People are willing to deal with a network if it means saving hundreds of dollars a month, getting extra benefits, and having financial protection with an out-of-pocket maximum.

Sure, MA plans aren’t for everyone, and if seeing any doctor you want is your top priority, then sticking with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan might be the best choice for you. But for many people, especially those on a fixed income, Medicare Advantage offers a great balance of affordability, benefits, and coverage.

As always, I’m here to help you navigate these choices. If you have questions or want to see what kind of plan might work best for you, feel free to reach out. I’m just a phone call or email away!

Paul Barrett – Principal Agent at The Modern Medicare Agency

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the Medicare industry, Paul Barrett serves as the Principal Agent at The Modern Medicare Agency. Specializing in a comprehensive range of Medicare options, including Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Part D, Paul has established himself as a trusted Medicare consultant and advisor.

Paul’s commitment to excellence is highlighted by his impressive achievements. Since 2007, he has personally helped over 10,000 Medicare consumers navigate their healthcare options, ensuring they receive the best possible coverage tailored to their needs. His expertise spans across more than 20 states, and he holds the esteemed title of Certified Medicare Insurance Planner.

At The Modern Medicare Agency, Paul Barrett continues to leverage his vast knowledge and experience to guide clients through the complexities of Medicare, offering them clarity, confidence, and peace of mind with their healthcare choices.