Isn't it concerning that Medicare Advantage plans are taking over the system?
Answered by 9 licensed agents
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
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.
Answered by David Moore on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, MI, NC & OH
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).
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Tags:
Medicare Advantage
The Medicare System
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