Do Medicare Advantage plans save money?

Question

Pete Alberti · Accepted Answer

The question of whether Medicare Advantage plans save money is complex, with varying perspectives. Here's a breakdown of key considerations:
Potential Cost Savings for Individuals:
 * Lower or Zero Premiums:
   * Many Medicare Advantage plans offer low or even $0 monthly premiums.
 * Out-of-Pocket Maximums:
   * These plans typically have a limit on your annual out-of-pocket expenses, providing a degree of financial protection. Traditional Medicare lacks this cap.
 * Additional Benefits:
   * Many Medicare Advantage plans include benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing care, which can lead to cost savings if you utilize these services.
 * Consolidated Coverage:
   * Medicare Advantage plans often combine Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan, streamlining costs.
Concerns About Overall Costs:
 * Higher Costs to the Medicare System:
   * Reports, such as those from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), indicate that Medicare Advantage plans can cost the Medicare system more than Original Medicare. This is due to factors like how the plans are paid, and coding intensity.
 * Potential for Hidden Costs:
   * While premiums may be low, Medicare Advantage plans can involve copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs that can accumulate.
 * Prior Authorizations and Network Restrictions:
   * Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorizations for services and have network restrictions, which can limit access to certain providers and potentially lead to unexpected costs.
In summary:
 * For some individuals, Medicare Advantage plans can offer potential cost savings through lower premiums and added benefits.
 * However, from the perspective of the overall Medicare program, there are concerns that these plans may increase costs.
 * It is very important for an individual to carefully review the details of any medicare advantage plan they are considering.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/do-medicare-advantage-plans-save-money#tony-capraro

Gary Church · Answer

You can save money. Being on a Medicare advantage plan a question is what the cost when you actually have to use your Medicare advantage plan. It is important that you work with a Medicare agent to review your options and determine which plan is the right plan.

Answered by Gary Church on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and never use it too much it could save you a lot of money. Most Advantage plans I sell are $0 premium a month. However, if you have a lot of chronic conditions and see medical providers often it could cost you a lot of out of pocket expenses. The good thing though there are out-of-pocket maximums on Advantage plans

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier on March 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, AZ, DE & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Fletcher · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans may not save you money if you have what I call a "bad health year". The maximum out of pocket risk is part of what gives you the lower premium comparatively. Also factor in the risk for the 20% gap for Part B drugs (drugs administered at the Dr's office) and Durable Medical Equipment. If you are reasonably health, MA plans may save you money in the long term. Imagine a scenario where one insured person choose the Supplement and Drug Plan option and pays $300 a month, every month, for 10 years. That would be $36000 spent overall and very little extra risk. Those same 10 years on a Medicare Advantage plan may cost $0 on the premium and some copays. But you'd have to have around 5 "bad health" years in order to spend $36000 when the Max out of pocket for your plan is $6000 a year. So, if your health is reasonably good, MA plans may save you some serious money in the big picture.; When you factor in MA plans supplemental benefits like dental, vision, hearing, gym membership and OTC spending they are a very good consideration for your health insurance.

Answered by Charles Fletcher on April 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, ID, NV & TN

Answered by Charles Fletcher Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray McCauley · Answer

they are much lower out of pocket costs than having basic medicare. They also include prescription drug coverage which saves on rx

Pamela Camey · Answer

For most individuals the answer is YES.  Medicare advantage plans can save money on healthcare costs compared to Original Medicare, especially when it comes to out-of-pocket expenses and premiums.  However, there are very important considerations to Medicare Advantage plans. All Medicare Advantage plans have network restrictions, and Prior Authorization for certain services are required. The cost and benefits vary greatly between plans.  It's important to understand and review how these plans differ. Compare them carefully.  
There is potential savings with Medicare Advantage plans.  They often have lower monthly premiums, and reduced cost-sharing. Many plans offer lower copayments, co-insurance and deductible for medical services.  Most Medicare Advantage plans include Prescription drug coverage as well.  All Medicare Advantage Plans have a maximum out of pocket spending limit.  Which means to you, should you ever reach the out-of-pocket maximum, you will not have to pay for services the rest of the year. Medicare Advantage plans provide extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing and fitness program, which many find attractive if they need those services.  The easiest way to remember - you pay as you go when you use a Medicare Advantage Plan. Recent studies have shown Most seniors on Medicare Advantage plans so an average  savings of $2,541 a year.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

There is no way of giving you a guaranteed reply! There are pros and cons of both the Med. Suppmts. and an MAPD plan. It has to do with your health and family history, your finances, the Rx's you have been prescribed and luck. Just be sure to meet with 2-3 agents, making sure that none of them are “captive” agents! Those are reps who can only offer one company's plans. Ask if they are independent reps or brokers? Those folks have affiliations with many firms and can tailor the presentation toward some of your vital needs.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/do-medicare-advantage-plans-save-money#timothy-brown-17110

Mal Varlack · Answer

Yes. Versus you having no plan at all or Original Medicare. Absolutely. Medicare Advantage Plans have a “cap” on the amount you spend out of pocket yearly. With Original Medicare (just the red, white and blue card) you don’t have a cap and are subjecting yourself to 20% of the cost of healthcare and THERE IS NO LIMIT. Also instead of paying the full bill for a visit or a medication (if covered), you pay a copay (a set amount) or a coinsurance ( a specified percentage).

Answered by Mal Varlack on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Mal Varlack Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans can potentially save individuals money, particularly when compared to original Medicare with a Medigap policy. Many Advantage plans have no premiums or low deductibles, and they often offer a maximum out-of-pocket spending limit, which can protect beneficiaries from large healthcare bills. However, the actual savings depend on individual circumstances and the specific plan chosen. 
Here's a more detailed look:
Premiums and Deductibles:
Many Advantage plans have lower premiums than original Medicare, with some even offering $0 premiums. Additionally, deductibles may be lower or nonexistent. 
Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs:
Medicare Advantage plans typically have a maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered services, which can be lower than the potential costs under original Medicare. Once this limit is reached, the plan covers 100% of the remaining covered services for the rest of the year. 
Additional Benefits:
Advantage plans often include additional benefits not covered by original Medicare, such as vision, dental, and hearing care, which can lead to long-term savings. 
Potential Savings on Specific Services:
Research suggests that switching to a Medicare Advantage plan may lead to cost savings on certain services like laboratory testing and medical equipment. 
HMO Plans:
If you choose a HMO plan, you may see even greater savings on healthcare services provided by your network. 
Out-of-Network Costs:
While Advantage plans may save money for in-network care, out-of-network costs can be higher and may not be covered. 
Individual Circumstances:
The savings potential of Advantage plans vary based on individual health status, frequency of healthcare needs, and the specific plan selected. 
Medigap:
Choosing a Medigap plan alongside original Medicare can provide similar cost protections and out-of-pocket limits as Medicare Advantage, but with the benefit of no network restrictions.

Steve Brauer · Answer

Yes, Medicare Advantage saves you money, but you will still pay copays when you use services. The copays and out of pocket costs vary greatly depending on the plan. With a MediGap plan, you pay quite a bit up front for services you MAY use. The Medicare Advantage model is more of a "pay as you go"

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Alterman · Answer

MAPD plans can save money as it’s an all inclusive plan dental, vision, sometimes with a spending card and sometimes with transportation

Tony Hardwick · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans can help save money by providing a $0 monthly premium and providing assistance with prescription costs. If you have no specialty doctors you'll have a $0 co-pay to see your primary doctor. You can even qualify for extra help with prescriptions and drug deductibles.

Answered by Tony Hardwick on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Tony Hardwick Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Bostic · Answer

The difference in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan is simply that you pay a premium every month for the Medigap plan, and you also have to purchase a drug plan, and if you want a dental, vision or hearing plan, you have to purchase that.  With a Medicare Advantage plan, it typically comes with a drug plan in most cases, and a lot of times, it comes with a dental hearing and a vision plan.  Sometimes it comes with an Over the counter benefit or transportation benefit. 

Usually, in most cases the cost of the plan itself is very low, but the visits to doctors, labs, and hospitals all have a copay for Medicare Advantage, but a Medicare Supplement is all included.  A lot of people that have a Medicare Supplement have one for security, so the debate on which is better between the two is up in the air.  I will suggest the one you can afford, or the one I feel like you need, not the one that will make me the most money.

My Client is more important to me.

Kris Neupauer · Answer

This is always an individualized answer. Not to be coy, but there are a few questions that have to be asked. First, for someone to go into a medicare advantage plan, we're a medicare supplement plan to make sure that it is going to give you the results you're looking for as your priority. If you have perfect health today and for the rest of your life, then an advantage plan will definitely save you money. And in some cases where you are
In need of moderate doctoring or medical issues, they can still save you money. But beyond a shadow of a doubt, if you get very sick. A Medicare supplement plan will always be the better option. When you weigh everything out. This is why, looking at going into Medicare. All your own is never a good idea. And you should always have help from a licensed medicare, broker or agent.

Tanja Roulhac · Answer

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans do not consistently save money for the Medicare program overall. In fact, CMS reports and studies (e.g., from KFF and MedPAC) indicate that MA plans often result in higher spending per enrollee compared to traditional Medicare, due to overpayments, administrative costs, and increased utilization. For instance, a 2021 KFF analysis estimated that MA added $7 billion in excess costs in 2019 alone.


While some MA plans may offer lower premiums or out-of-pocket savings for individual beneficiaries, the program as a whole has not generated net savings and contributes to Medicare's financial challenges.

Michael Claunch · Answer

You definitely save money on your premiums and Medicare B deductible. How much you save all comes down to how high is your supplement premium vs how much you use your Medicare Advantage and what is that plans max out of pocket.

Answered by Michael Claunch on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN

Answered by Michael Claunch Medicare Insurance Agent

Do Medicare Advantage plans save money?

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