Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answered by 157 licensed agents
The concept of "free" Medicare Advantage plans can be misleading. While some Medicare Advantage plans advertise $0 monthly premiums, it's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean you won't have any healthcare costs. Here's a breakdown:
* $0 Premium Doesn't Mean $0 Cost:
A $0 premium means you don't pay a monthly fee to the private insurance company offering the Medicare Advantage plan. However, you'll still likely have other out-of-pocket costs, such as:
* Co-payments: Fixed amounts you pay for specific services (e.g., doctor's visits, prescriptions).
* Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you pay for services.
* Deductibles: The amount you pay before your plan starts covering costs.
Medicare pays MAPD’S to come up with plans that must be as good as Medicare or better. However I’ve not seen one that isn’t better than original Medicare. The MAPD’s pay claims and administer the plans. I only provide the plans for clients that have no premium. I’m on one myself and mine pays $174.70 of my Part B premium. I pay zero in premium. So yes there are many plans that are zero premium. There are plans that do have premiums.
No, nothing is free! It's how they package their plans. If you have little or no health issues, a free MA plan looks great. The insurance company is managing your healthcare. If you experience a life-changing event while on an MA plan, it could result in thousands of dollars in copays and deductibles.
Clever but misleading marketing in some instances:
A compliant insurance agent/broker is forbidden from using the words "free" or "this is the best plan for you". If someone is Dual Eligible (Full Dual Eligible Medicaid and Medicare) and they see providers who accept both Medicare and Medicaid, they should have 100% no-copays or financial responsibility for their medical expenses. This does not apply to all medications, there can still be a partial co-pay for name-brand drugs for Dual Eligible Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries.
Unfortunately, many brokers, especially call centers will not review the Summary of Benefits with the person explaining applicable co-pays (for Non Dual Eligible enrollees) such as emergency room, specialist appointments, inpatient hospital admissions, chemotherapy, durable medical equipment, etc. Many insurance carriers offer some Medicare Advantage Plans with Over The Counter (OTC) benefits and gym memberships at no cost to the enrollee. Some plans also offer partial, limited coverage for glasses and dental as well (as applicable). These benefits are listed in your Summary of Benefits (as applicable).
The bottom line, if someone has no eligibility for any Federal, State, Tribal, local, or hospital financial assistance programs, they should be 100% accountable for any applicable co-pays in their Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage- printed guidelines. These guidelines may change from year to year. Check with your Medicare Advantage Plan Carrier website to review your current Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage to verify your current plan.
Free is a catchy marketing word. Many have no monthly premium so in that sence, yes. If we are looking at overall cost (premiums, co-pays, deductible etc...) then no. Advantage plans will have co-payments for things like doctors office visits, tests, radiology, the emergency room and the hospital, but they are set co-payments that are usually very reasonable. Additionally, there is an out of pocket maximum, so you know your worst case senerio. Note that few people reach the out of pocket maximum, so it is not really an annual cost. In comparison, Medicare supplement G only has you pay a Deductible ($254 in 2025) for services, so many people with supplements feel that visits, tests and hospital stays are "free" but fail to account for the monthly premium they pay no matter if they use the plan or not. In comparison, Medicare Advantage will come out well ahead in years with fewer medical procedures. As good years usually well outnumber the bad, Medicare Advantage usually wins.
several carriers offer zero premium plans for medicare advantage plans. they can do this because they get paid by medicare to coordinate your medical care
Medicare Advantage Plans are not free nor will they ever be. You still have to pay your Medicare Part B (2025) is $185 per month, Deductables, Copays and Co Insurance. Do not believe all the misleading ads on TV.
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 monthly premiums and $0 primary care visits. This also depends on your zip code or service area. You'll want to consider copays and benefits of each plan to ensure it is the right one that fits your individual needs. Some advantage plans may have health deductibles or prescription deductibles. You'll want to ensure whoever you are working with goes over the summary of benefits of the plan.
You will have co pays, some deductibles now, a max yearly out of pocket, prior authorizations and benefits that are shifted, adjusted and cut every year.
Is anything 'Free'. Not really, but they may have a no monthly premium cost. Biggest thing to be aware of is the out-of-pocket expenses that are related to certain services rendered.
It is true that many Medicare Advantage plans have zero dollar premiums, but there are costs associated with utilizing the plan's benefits. You will likely pay deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments when seeking medical treatment. Additionally, continuing to pay your Medicare Part B premium is necessary to remain enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Several Medicare Advantage plans have a zero monthly premium, but you should remember that you will still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium each month in order to be eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan such as these.
There are Medicare Advantage plans that offer $0 premium, but there are out of pocket costs to the client when using a Medicare Advantage plan for healthcare. Every plan varies with out-of-pocket costs, as well as copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and networks. There may be added benefits including dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
While some Medicare Advantage plans may not have a month premium to them, I would not call them free. You might not have a upfront or monthly premium but you typically have co-pays for your services.
The old saying is that there is no free lunch and it applies to Advantage Plans as well. In this case the cost isn't born by the person enrolled in the plan the cost is carried by tax payers. Medicare, whether traditional or Advantage, is subsidized by the Federal government. Advantage Plans cost the government approximately 22% more than traditional Medicare does.
There are several reasons for this. Commissions for agents are much higher with Advantage plans than for Medicare Supplements. Marketing expenses are greater with Advantage Plans. On top of all that the Advantage Plans have lobbied congress and rule makers enough that they get extra subsidies the sicker an enrollee is. The kicker is that they get those extra funds regardless of whether the enrollee gets more healthcare or not.
In a word, "NO" it isn't free. It's just clever marketing.
Well, in some areas there is no additional Monthly Premium to enroll onto a Medicare Advantage Plan, which is wonderful! You still have to pay your Part B Medicare premium, but here in NE Florida, we have many Advantage Plans that have a $0. Monthly premium!
Some Medicare Advantage plans do have a $0 monthly premium, but that doesn't mean they're truly "free." You still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium, and there are copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs depending on how you use your coverage. The $0 premium is a great marketing point, but it's important to look at the full picture, including networks, drug coverage, and the maximum out-of-pocket limits to understand what you're really getting. That is where working with an independent Medicare agent can help; someone who'll break it down and make sure the plan fits you.
Some Plans have no monthly premium costs, to the members and some do depending on the plan you are applying for. For instance a PPO plan or an HMO plan. you need to talk to an agent.
It is true that many of the Medicare Advantage carriers may offer zero premium plans. They may come at no monthly cost, but that doesn't mean they are free. It is true they do come with tons of benefits and they can be fantastic plans. One thing people may not realize is that they should be considered a 'copay' plan. There will likely be a copay for most doctors, specialists and hospital benefits.
There are $0/premium plans out there, but you must be enrolled in Part B which has a premium of $185/month unless you get assistance through the state or county per your income level. Obviously with no premium, one can expect more out of pocket expenses when seeing doctors or hospitals, generally.
Well nothing life is "free" you already know that is not true. How ever there are plans that arr no addition cost to you. How I explain is $0 or zero dollar plans per month are no more monthly cost paid to the insurance companies than what you are already paying for Original Medicare.
Then these plans do really have cost to them in the form of Co-Pays, Co-Insurance and Max Out of Pocket. But "free" is relative and can be explain better as no additional cost to over what you are paying for Original Medicare. This can be a complicated questions and depends on a lot of factors if these kinds of plans are a good fit for you. Contact us to see if a $0 premium plan is a good fit for you!
You. might hear the term "zero dollar premium" and think Medicare Advantage plans are free - but that's not exactly the case. While some plans do not charge a monthly premium, you still have to pay your Part B premium and you have out of pocket expenses like copays and deductibles when you seek care. These plans can offer great value, but it's important to understand what's covered and what you might still need to pay. I'm here to help you break it all down, so there's no surprises.
I think Medicare Advantage plans can be a great option for many consumers but labeling them as "free" is definitely clever marketing.
If the Medicare Advantage plan has a $0 premium, I describe it as such and then walk through all of the benefits with the consumer so that they understand ho the plan might have cost shares they would be responsible for.
Unlike Medicare Supplement plans, most Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits that are not covered by Medicare. Namely, dental, vision, hearing, and over the counter allowances. I always ensure that when going through the benefits, we discuss all of them and the word "free" is something I do not use. In fact, Medicare prohibits a broker from using the word free.
The correct statement should be..... Most Medicare Advantage are $0 premium plans that have Co-Pays, Co-Insurances and most importantly, a Maximum Out Of Pocket In-Network.
These plans are frequently called Pay As You Go plans. You may not spend anything or you may spend the Max Out Of Pocket. No one knows what health issues will arise in the future!
Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premium. It is helpful to have a local agent who can explain the differences in the various policies and their premiums.
Most Medicare Advantage plans are offered as zero-premium plans, but there are a few plans that do have a monthly premium. They can not be truly considered "free" because other costs are associated, such as your Medicare Part B Premium, and you may incur possible deductibles, copays, and coinsurance when seeking medical care up to a defined max-out-of-pocket amount.
Even with that being said, there are low-cost plans called Hospital Indemnity plans that can be purchased to help combat those out-of-pocket expenses.
They are not free. You have to pay copays for just about everything and sometimes have a very large out of pocket! So, if you never get sick, they might be a money saver - God forbid if you develop a major illness!
You've heard that "there's no such thing as a free lunch." Well, the same is true of Medicare Advantage plans.
While it's true that there are Medicare Advantage plans that cost $0 in premium, they are not 'free' for a variety of reasons:
1. In order to qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. There is a premium for Part B that must be paid every month.
2. You accept the terms and conditions of the Medicare Advantage plan that you choose, and that includes copayments and an out-of-pocket maximum for the services you receive. The fees you pay could add-up to thousands of dollars each year. While Medicare Advantage plans must be at least as good as Original Medicare, there will certainly be a cost to receiving medical care under Medicare Advantage.
3. Your Medicare Advantage plan is being paid by Medicare. Because they have taken-over responsibility for your medical needs, Medicare pays them a portion of what they expected to pay for your claims. The Medicare Advantage plan then decides how to spend that money in benefits. As the Medicare budget changes every year, so does the Medicare Advantage plan. It is important to review the changes in your Medicare Advantage plan every year.
4. You may end-up benefiting from Medicare Advantage by paying a little more for your medical claims, while receiving "extra" benefits like dental, vision, hearing, fitness, prescription drug and over-the-counter drug benefits at little to no cost. But in a year where you have a lot of expensive medical treatment, you could pay a lot more out of your pocket.
First and foremost, there are Medicare advantage plans with a premium and there are medicare advantage plans without a premium. Depending on the financial circumstance, when a recipient is responsible for paying their Medicare Part B premium with social security and may not qualify for state assistance, a 0.00 plan may be option to save some money. It is however, still subject to out-of-pocket costs and in some cases higher copays.
While it may seem like clever marketing, In order to be eligible for those plans you must be enrolled in Part A and Part B. When we look at Part B, in most cases it will cost 185.00/month which must be paid in order to enroll into any Medicare health plan including the Medicare advantage option that is 0.00.
Medicare Advantage plans are NOT free. Most MA plans have a zero monthly premium and some could also have give-back options towards Part B Medicare payment. When reviewing Medicare Advantage plans ALWAYS review the Summary of Benefits to truly understand how the plan is going to work for your Medical and RX needs. Medicare Advantage plans have Co-pays.
Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium. Medicare Advantage plans are subsidized by the government. Legitimate advertising must be approved by Medicare.
Many Medicare Advantage plans have a zero monthly premium, which is not the same a free. Part of your part b premium goes to the Medicare Advantage provider to pay for the plan along with other monies from Medicare. So it is not free, but may have a zero monthly premium.
How does losing a spouse impact my Medicare plan if I was on their employer plan Most importantly, you will have to check with the employer to see if insurance is still being offered to you. If not, there are a number of options to explore. Give me a call and we will review all options keeping you insured.
I tell clients that there is nothing "free" in life. When you are thinking about either a Supplement or a MAPD plan, chose the plan you are most comfortable for you. There is no wrong answer. The plan should make you feel confortable about your health cover.
They have zero dollar premiums on most. Being free is a matter of perspective. You will still need to understand what your costs are, ie copays, deductibles and Coinsurance. A good broker can help you field these questions at no cost as well.
Approximately 70% of Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPD) do not have a monthly premium, but all MAPD's do have costs associated with them when they are used for most medical services. These are known mostly as copays and can be quite reasonable, especially when you use In-Network services. Many MAPD's also come with additional extra benefits that are attractive to many consumers. Benefits such as Dental, Hearing, Vision, Gym coverage, etc. Its important to understand the pros & cons for MAPD's, as well as Medicare Supplements. There is not a "one size fits all" Plan out there and talking to an experienced Agent/Broker is a wise option. Plan ahead before starting Medicare and learn as much as you can.
Medicare Advantage plans are not free. Some plans have a premium and some have no premium. Either way they are funded by tax dollars, so you have been paying into it your whole working life.
Medicare Advantage plans are "free" in the sense that they do not have a monthly premium. However, they are co-pay based. You pay co-pays for each service received up to a maximum out of pocket between $3,000 to $8,000 per year depending on the plan. They do include the extras like dental, vision, and gym membership for no charge.
While many Medicare Advantage plans have "Zero Premium", they are not "free" in that they do come with certain copays and out of pocket expenses that require some costs in most cases. While for many, they are the best way to go for coverage and protection, I like to always educate my clients on all options that could best be of benefit for their unique circumstances and needs.
While many Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 monthly premiums, they aren't truly free. You'll still need to pay your Part B premium (currently $185 per month in 2025) and may encounter costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments when using your plan.
They are $0 premium to the consumer, but not necessarily free of charge. The federal government pays Advantage carriers a per-covered-life amount, which can be adjusted based on specific metrics.
So, yes, they cost consumers $0 premium, but not quite free of cost.
There are costs to the Medicare Advantage plans. The Part B premium is still taken out of your SSI. There are out of pocket costs for the Deductibles with hospital stays, and prescription drugs, along with Co-Pays for hospital, prescription drugs or out of network providers.
There are plans that have a 0 premium to choose from. However, when an insured uses the plan: such as going to a specialist; to the hospital; some lab work and Xray's do have co-pay, some prescription drugs will have a co-pay. However, many of the covered medical expenses have a 0 cost to them as well.
"Free" is not a word that should be used when referring to Medicare products. Many plans have no premium cost but have out-of-pocket expenses that a Medicare enrollee may incur.
While many Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 monthly premiums, they are not truly "free." While you may not pay a monthly premium to the insurance company, you will still have out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, and you will still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium. These plans are administered by private insurance companies that are reimbursed by Medicare for providing coverage.
Here's a breakdown:
$0 Premium:
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer a $0 monthly premium, meaning you don't pay a premium to the insurance company administering the plan.
Other Out-of-Pocket Costs:
You will still have costs associated with using medical services. These can include:
Deductibles: An amount you pay out-of-pocket before the plan starts covering costs.
Copayments: Fixed amounts you pay for specific services like doctor's visits.
Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you pay for services after the deductible is met.
Medicare Part B Premium:
You must still pay the monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which is separate from the Medicare Advantage plan.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum:
Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum that limits how much you'll pay in a year, but this can still be a significant amount (up to $9,350 in 2025).
In essence, the term "free" is often used in marketing to highlight the $0 premium option, but it's misleading. Medicare Advantage plans are still a form of insurance, and you will have costs associated with using healthcare services.
While some Medicare Advantage plans advertise zero monthly premiums, they aren't truly "free." You'll still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium and may incur costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for medical services.
I prefer to not use the word “free” but rather “at no cost or zero co-pay”. Since plans can vary from state to state or county to county. However, there is always the Part B cost.
They are not "free" plans, these plans are a pay-as-you-go plan. They do offer benefits that original Medicare does not offer, such as coverage for Dental, Vision, and hearing.
Medicare Advantage plans are not free! They are zero dollar cost up front, but there are co payments and co-insurance associated with these plans. It is a clever marketing ploy.
None of the carriers I work with state their plan is free. A zero premium plan does not mean one has zero costs for the plan year. My clients and the non licensed Medicare professionals that work with them have all this explained in detail to them by me so we can make an educated decision on which plan or plans will be most appropriate.
Most Medicare Advantage Plans have no monthly premiums however there are deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance so it is important to understand that with Medicare Advantage Plans there will be some out of pocket or share of cost. Medicare Advantage Plans are Network plans so if the policyholder stays in Network their is minimal out of pocket.
Not so much as "Free". In fact we're encourged to not use the word "free" in our presentations about health plans offered by carriers. There are plans available that are of "no cost" to consumers and then there are others with limited cost. It all depends on what an indiviual would qualify for.
They are not free. They do have clever marketing and lots of people believe it. Most of them don’t realize that they are giving up real Medicare for an HMO.
Most Medicare Advantage plans are $0 monthly premium. There are advantages and disadvantages to every plan, it is important to make a knowledgeable decision your first year in Medicare.
Many Medicare Advantage plans do not have a monthly premium. However, you share in the costs in the form of copays or coinsurance. This is how you are able to have no or a low monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage plans may have a zero premium each month, but they will also have a annual "out of pocket" maximum. This amount may be significant and certainly may be equal or greater than the premiums that you might have paid for a Medicare Supplement with Original Medicare. It's important to review the pros/cons of both and to choose the plan that best meets your individual needs.
Medicare Advantage plans come with a $0 monthly premium. It does require co-pays for some services. Depending on the level of assistance, some clients may qualify for a plan with $0 monthly premium and $0 co-pays, but that is determined by the level of assistance the client is qualified for.
No Advantage plans are definitely not free, even though some with Seniors do not have to pay a monthly premium. Most of the services require either copayments or co-insurance % payments, or both. Some preventive services are low or no cost, but most have some cost to them. Still, they are a great value, especially if seniors are in pretty good health!
Medicare Advantage plans often get marketed as "free," the reality is while they usually don’t have a monthly premium (or a very low one), that doesn’t mean they’re actually free. You still have to pay your Part B premium, which for 2025 is $174.70 per month (the standard Medicare fee). And there could be other costs involved, like co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
The reason they’re advertised as “free” is because they often offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. But all those perks come with some trade-offs. It’s really about understanding what you're getting, and sometimes the savings you think you're getting can be balanced out by the costs you might face when you need care.
Bottom line: you might save money up front, but it’s always important to dig into the details and see if the plan actually fits your needs and budget in the long run.
Nothing worthwhile is free and that certainly goes for your insurance. In the world of Medicare, $0 premium does NOT mean free. There are going to be costs for services received while on a Medicare Advantage plan. However, the $0 premium does mean you will only pay for services when you need them, as you need them, and not automatically every month.
As a general rule, if it's marketing, proceed with caution! An independent agent can help you see through the "noise" of marketing and get to the real info that matters.
No, Medicare Advantage Plans are not free. You may have a zero premium plan, but copays and coinsurance are your responsibility. Your Part b Premium has to be paid to keep the coverage.
The confusion that people run into is the process. Remember, you have paid for Medicare Part A through employment deductions you working life and you then pay for Medicare Part B as you start to enjoy Medicare coverage. That money is given to Insurance Carriers to then find a way to manage care in a way that they can be profitable. It is a different experience from Medicare Supplement - but based on choosing a plan that meets your needs can be exactly what you need.
There are plans that are Zero Premium ($0). So yes, you can get a zero monthly premium plan.
The clever marketing comes into play when I hear the commercial saying, " If you have Medicare you are entitled to received $4300 back...." etc. Always have a local agent who is looking out for you.
While some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium, they are not truly "free." You will still be responsible for other healthcare costs, including your Part B premium, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It's crucial to look beyond the premium and carefully consider the plan's overall costs, benefits, network, and rules before making a decision.
No, Medicare Advantage plans are generally not free. While some plans may offer a $0 monthly premium, there will still be other out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
The average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is around $17, but this can vary depending on the plan. Additionally, you will still need to pay your Part B premium, which is currently $185 per month.
It's important to compare the costs and benefits of different Medicare Advantage plans before making a decision. Some plans may have higher premiums but offer more coverage, while others may have lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs
Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium, this does not mean they are entirely free. Beneficiaries still must pay their Medicare Part B premium (which is typically deducted from Social Security benefits) regardless of whether they choose a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans are paid from our deposits into Medicare during our working years. So, to be clear, all Medicare Advantage companies are paid from our money.
Each carrier may change its plans every year to attract and reduce the number of clients it has in the different plans. Some plans leave the marketplace, and insurance companies create new ones.
In order to attract clients, Medicare Advantage companies include dental, hearing, vision, and over-the-counter benefits, but some even back money toward the Medicare Part B premium (tax) that the policyholder pays every month.
The idea that Medicare Advantage plans are “free” is generally more of a marketing strategy than a literal truth. While many Medicare Advantage plans have low or even $0 premiums, this doesn’t mean they are free in the overall sense.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even if the premium is $0, there are still costs like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and other services. The out-of-pocket costs can add up, depending on the plan and the services you use.
Network Limitations: Many Medicare Advantage plans are HMO or PPO plans, meaning they have network restrictions. You might have to stay within a network of doctors and hospitals, and if you go outside that network, you'll pay more or your care may not be covered at all.
Medicare Advantage plans may sound "free", but they are not really free. You will still need to pay for co-pays and/or your Medicare Part B. It just means there is no extra cost to join the plan.
While the Medicare Advantage Plans are premium-free, they are not the right fit for everyone. They certainly have their place in the Medicare space, but this is why you need to consult a professional.
The legal term is " Zero Cost". While Medicare Advantage plans have no monthly cost in most cases, that doesn't mean it won't cost. Think of Medicare Advantage plans as " pay as you go" plans. Copays for daily hospital stays, specialist visits, x-rays, MRI, cat scans , etc can add up. Pay close attention to the carrier's MOOP. MOOP means maximum out of pocket. In some cases it is a better financial decision to pay $1400-1600 per year for a Medicare Supplement than pay $3500+ for a Medicare Advantage plan. Make sure you have an agent that can share the advantages/ disadvantages to each choice.
Most Medicare Advantage plans, not all, are free. Zero monthly premium and there is no catch to that. These private plans get paid by the government to take you on as a client. They come with extra benefits that the original Medicare does not have. With the Advantage plans you agree to use the providers who are in network as oppose to the original Medicare which is accepted by a larger number of providers.
There are a lot of Medicare Advantage plans that have no premium. However, you would still be responsable for paying your original medicare part B premium (and possibly Part A if you have one). So when someone says that a medicare advantage plan that doesn't charge a monthly premium is "free", they actually mean that you would be paying the same whether you are in original medicare or a medicare advantage plan, so it is "free" in that sense.
CMS, (The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) does not allow the use of the word "FREE". There may be plans that are low cost or NO COST to you (the consumer) yet the plans are definitely not free. Clients frequently ask how this is possible? Medicare Advantage Organizations (carriers with a CMS contract) are paid by the federal government for each member they have enrolled. Contract levels vary depending on the specific county location, average cost of services, and the quality of the service provided (star levels) by that carrier. It becomes the responsibility of the MA provider to manage those dollars. They must provide a level of service equal to, or better than, the coverage offered through original Medicare. Some plans may offer certain rebates (food cards, gym memberships, Part B premiums, etc.) to entice more enrollments. They may also provide additional services like Dental, Vision, or Hearing, that are not covered under original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans are often marketed as "free," but this can be misleading. Here's a breakdown to clarify:
1. **Monthly Premiums**: While some Medicare Advantage plans have low or even $0 monthly premiums, you may still be responsible for other costs, such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
2. **Medicare Part B Premium**: Even if the Advantage plan itself is free, you still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium, which is typically deducted from your Social Security benefits.
3. **Out-of-Pocket Costs**: Many plans have out-of-pocket expenses that can add up, especially if you require frequent medical care or services.
4. **Network Restrictions**: Many Advantage plans have specific networks of providers, and going out of network can result in higher costs or no coverage at all.
5. **Limitations on Coverage**: While these plans often include additional benefits (like dental or vision), they may not cover everything that traditional Medicare does, which can lead to unexpected costs.
So, while some aspects of Medicare Advantage plans can appear "free," it's essential to carefully review the details and understand all potential costs involved before enrolling. It’s always a good idea to compare plans and consider your healthcare needs.
We agents never use the word "free" when working with clients that is very misleading. All plans do have a cost involved and should be reviewed with each client that an agent works with to make sure they understand.
While there are no "free" plans, there are some with a $0 premium. The premiums and benefits are reviewed and updated each year by CMS and the insurance companies. It is important to compare features and more importantly your unique prescription and medical needs when finding a plan that will work best for you. Premium is one of several factors to consider when selecting a plan.
Medicare Advantage plans are not "free". They are subsidized by your Medicare premiums. When you choose a Medicare Advantage plan option, the federal government is no longer paying your healthcare costs, so they provide a portion of your Medicare premiums to the plan that you have chosen so that they can manage your benefits and claims payments.
Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium cost to clients as they received funds from the Federal Government when you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The Government provides these funds to the insurance company in return for the Insurance company taking over the full administration of your Medicare A&B benefits.
Nothing is free. Medicare Advantage plans do offer plans with a zero monthly premium, but there are other costs associated with those plans. I strongly advise you to find a local agent you can trust that can explain these plans, in detail, before enrolling in one.
