Isn't it concerning that Medicare Advantage plans are taking over the system?

Question

Mal Varlack · Accepted Answer

Is it concerning? On the one hand the only other option is a Medicare Supplement (or high deductible Medicare Supplement) or do nothing and just have Original Medicare. Being that health costs have increased significantly and that more people are looking to not pay now and pay later (as they use their plan) it is the only option. Other factors like the cost of living have made Medicare Advantage for those eligible attractive. Whereas they would have to pay a monthly premium for a Medicare Supplement. So in that regard it’s the best option for those budgeting or trying to make ends meet. On the other hand, it does leave the fact that there are 6 major Medicare Advantage companies ( there are some regional Medicare Advantage carriers) and these 6 you could say are monopolizing the market. So in that regard they’re pockets are so deep that they can lobby for laws and regulation that benefit their stock prices at the expense of the true intention of healthcare

Answered by Mal Varlack on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Mal Varlack Medicare Insurance Agent

Charise Karjala · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/medicare-advantage-taking-over-system-concerns#charise-karjala

David Bell · Answer

Medicare changed very little in it's first forty years and that is a bad sign in any program or product. Demand for better service and a better product drives competition between the companies that provide Medicare Advantage plans. This competition makes for a better product for all Medicare recipients that are part of the Medicare Advantage program.

Answered by David Bell on April 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 8 other states

Answered by David Bell Medicare Insurance Agent

James Carlson · Answer

I agree, Medicare Advantage plans are applied for when agents do not inform prospects about the Medicare Supplement plans. Also TV ads and insurance companies promotion of Advantage plans help beneficiaries to believe the only option is an Advantage plan.

Answered by James Carlson on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN

Answered by James Carlson Medicare Insurance Agent

David Moore · Answer

They are simply one option for you. It’s important to review both Medicare advantage plans as well as supplement plans. Compare the pros and cons and decide what is in your interest.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

All things come in cycles. That’s the key point relevant to this question. When that happens, I don’t know but it won’t be too long until people turn to a Medigap policy (a.k.a., Medicare Supplement).

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Kathy Adams · Answer

If you move, not knowing if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medigap Plan, coverage could have differences to the State and county where you live.

Michele Vina · Answer

Right now, the Medicare population is split about 50/50 between Original Medicare with a supplement and Medicare Advantage. I find that ratio to hold true with my clients as well. There is no right or wrong answer, they are just different ways to receive your Medicare benefits with different pros and cons.

Answered by Michele Vina on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, KY, OH & OK

Answered by Michele Vina Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Every Medicare beneficiary has a choice.  Medicare Supplement plans are readily available and don't have the same strict guidelines lines the Medicare Advantage plans have.

Medicare Advantage plans have wider suite of benefits and have premiums as low as $0.

It's the choice of the beneficiary to chose what is best for them.

Mike Henry · Answer

With today’s economy Seniors are looking more and more at costs   Don’t make the mistake of substituting cost for coverage

Sam Silva · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans often highlight extra benefits like gym memberships and dental care. However, these plans may have network restrictions and higher out-of-pocket costs.

Deborah Webster · Answer

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements are the only two options available to lower the gap left with traditional Medicare. We are currently seeing a strong trend toward Medicare Advantage plans with our seniors. Neither option is wrong, it's about making sure that the coverage you choose fits your situation. The system is designed the way it is; we can only maneuver within what systems we have to work with.

Answered by Deborah Webster on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Ellen Diehl · Answer

I think most people do not understand that the decision to go within an advantage plan can lock them into that for a lifetime. However, the advantage plans can change the formulary change. The network and hospital systems are leaving advantage networks to the tune of 32 hospital systems with Drew in 2024 if you have more questions you can contact me.

Answered by Ellen Diehl on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA

Answered by Ellen Diehl Medicare Insurance Agent

Rachael Metcalf · Answer

No. Not at all. This is a great way to have coverage for those who are healthy, those who have high cost rx and don't want to pay the drug deductible ($590), Silver sneakers, dental, vision or other perks............so no not at all.

Answered by Rachael Metcalf on May 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, FL, GA & 5 other states

Answered by Rachael Metcalf Medicare Insurance Agent

Randy Hill · Answer

Thanks for your great question!

Let’s break it down super simply:

Right now, more and more people are picking Medicare Advantage plans instead of regular Medicare mainly due to affordability and additional benefits. Medicare Advantage is when private insurance companies (like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, or Aetna) run your Medicare benefits instead of the government.

Is it concerning?
Well… it depends who you ask! Here’s the simple version:

Why Some People Think It’s Good:

These plans often give extra goodies like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and drug coverage all in one plan.

They sometimes have lower monthly costs than regular Medicare with a separate supplement.


Why Some People Are Worried:

Since private insurance companies are in charge, they can decide which doctors you can see and sometimes make you get permission (called prior authorization) before you can get certain treatments.

Some people worry that companies care more about making money than about patient care.

If you get really sick or need to see special doctors, you might feel more “stuck” in a network with fewer choices compared to Original Medicare or a Medicare (Medigap) supplement plan.


Big Picture:

Medicare Advantage is growing fast because lots of people like the extras and lower upfront costs plus they really market them on television. 

But it’s super important to remember: not all plans are the same — some are awesome and some aren’t so great.

It’s smart to really look carefully at all optins before picking a plan to make sure it covers what you need.


In short:
Medicare Advantage isn’t bad, but it’s not perfect either. It’s just different — like choosing between a homemade sandwich and a fast-food meal. One might be faster and cheaper, but it may not always be the healthiest or best choice for everyone.

Always pick the plan that fits your health, doctors, and future needs best!

Let me know if you’d like help comparing your options — it can get a little tricky, but

David Cranford · Answer

We shouldn't be concerned about the growth of the Medicare Advantage plans. The competition provides innovation and that generates benefits for us. The Medicare supplement plans are starting to do similar things. Everyone wants a piece of the Medicare pie and that means good service and benefits for us all.

Answered by David Cranford on May 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in OK, FL, IL, OH, TN & TX

Answered by David Cranford Medicare Insurance Agent

Marisol Torres · Answer

It can be concerning because Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies focused on profit, and they can limit doctor choices or require pre-approvals. While they offer extra perks, they’re not always the best fit for everyone.

Answered by Marisol Torres on April 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, CA, FL & 19 other states

Answered by Marisol Torres Medicare Insurance Agent

John Hunter Christian · Answer

My main concern is agents or brokers that do not discuss all the different options available for Medicare. Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans need to be presented as options.

Isn't it concerning that Medicare Advantage plans are taking over the system?

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Isn't it concerning that Medicare Advantage plans are taking over the system?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website