My kids keep telling me to get a Medicare Advantage plan, but my friends say stick with Original Medicare. Who should I listen to?
Answered by 38 licensed agents
In 2025, part A has a $1,676 deductible. You pay:
Days 1–60: (of each benefit period): $0 after you meet your Part A deductible ($1,676).
Days 61–90: (of each benefit period): $419 each day.
After day 90: (of each benefit period): $838 each day for each lifetime reserve day (up to 60 days over your lifetime).
After you use all of your lifetime reserve days, you pay all costs.
There's a term here, "benefit period". The benefit period lasts for 60 days. If you are out of the hospital for over 60 days, the process starts over, and you pay the deductible again (lifetime reserve days do not start over).
Part B has a $257 deductible, with generally a 20% co-insurance after it's been met. Original Medicare has no maximum out-of-pocket. If you are in the hospital multiple times during the year, the costs can be financially devastating.
Medicare Advantage plans have maximum out-of-pocket limits built into their plans. Depending on where you live, there are both HMOs and PPOs to choose from. HMOs require referrals to see specialists. PPOs are more flexible but costs for out-of-network doctors are higher.
Another option is Medicare Supplement, which works with original Medicare. If you choose this option, you need a stand-alone PDP. Knowing this information should help you decide who to listen to- your children or friends.
Answered by Cynthia Nakaya on April 5, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, GA, MO & TX
Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on May 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states
Generally, if you have the means to do so, and afford a Supplemental carrier plan, there is no better coverage then Original Medicare with a top Supplement offered in your state. This allows you to control your health, and have access to the best doctors, hospitals, facilities, and professionals within the medical community anywhere in the country at any time. For that you will have your Part A, B (which is $185/mo. and can be paid through your SSI) and the premium for your Supplement. You will also have a Part D Prescription plan that can be a $0-180 Premium per month. For the G plan here in Florida (the best plan) you are looking on average between $200-$230/ month. Unless it is a concierge doctor, 98% of Doctors accept this payment across the country.
For MA plans, you will have either a PPO, HMO, or PFFS plan, and will be limited as to your choices as you will generally have to stay in their networks. Your major specialty hospitals will not accept MA plans - examples: John’s Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, etc. Most plans require you to pick up the Part B still, and you may still have Co-pays, Co-Insurance, and deductibles. You will also have a MOOP and then the policy can apply. So be careful here. They may offer “gifts” and “freebies”, which make it front loaded for benefits, but where you really may need them is the backend, and we can’t be sure when that is for any of us!
Remember: Price is what you pay, Value is what you get, and Cost is what it is when paid the wrong price to get the wrong value! - so be careful as this is the ONLY TIME you will choose with no Underwriting involvement, and you can be sure that your health with age cannot ultimately improve, but have more challenges! Good luck!!!
Answered by Norman Smith on August 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & PA
Answered by Tony Capraro III on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in NH & ME
Why Your Kids Like Medicare Advantage:
Often comes with $0 premiums
Includes extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits
Bundles medical and drug coverage in one plan
Feels more convenient and modern to younger generations
Why Your Friends Prefer Original Medicare + Medigap:
Offers freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, nationwide
Medigap covers most out-of-pocket costs, so bills are more predictable
No networks, referrals, or surprise restrictions
Often better for people with ongoing or complex health needs
What Matters Most Is What Fits YOU:
Do you want lower monthly costs or predictable out-of-pocket expenses?
Are your doctors in Medicare Advantage networks?
Do you travel frequently or live in multiple states?
How important are additional benefits like dental or vision?
Bottom line:
Listen to both, then focus on what fits your situation best. If you want, I can help you compare plans based on your health, doctors, and budget—so you can make a confident choice that works for you.
Would you like me to help with that? Call us at Medicare4USA.com 214-989-7900
Answered by Steven Graves on July 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX
Answered by Richard Moreno on May 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, FL, LA, NM & OH
Answered by Marsha Reiniers on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, PA, SC & VA
Answered by Mark Bilgere on July 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK
Answered by Brady Kidwell on June 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, FL, GA & KY, NC, SC & VA
Answered by Wade Lashley on July 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Diana Garner on June 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by Steve Houchens on July 12, 2025
Agent Licensed in KY & TN
There is no single right answer for which is best between Meficare Supplement and Medicare Advantage. Both work well in their specific ways.
Medicare Supplements use Original Medicare as the base for coverage and Original Medicare allows you to see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans generally have less managed care, so they are also easier to use when your doctor wants you to receive treatment ents or to have tests done. Generally, the premium is higher for a Medicare Supplement, but the claims cost is lower. But Supplements do not include ’extra’ benefits like dental, vision or hearing benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans usually require that you see a network provider to receive the higher benefit amount. Some plans will only pay when you see providers who are in network. Advantage plans are also known for managing care to save money, so your doctor will need to have most tests and treatments approved before they take place. You will have a copayment for every service you receive in an Advantage plan, up to a plan-specific out-of-pocket maximum. Generally, premiums are lower (maybe even $0) for Medicare Advantage plans, but claims are higher. Most Medicare Advantage plans do include ‘extra’ benefits, but those benefits vary by plan year and insurance company.
In summary, it is important that you understand all of your options before you make a decision. You should consult with a local Medicare insurance agent before you make a final choice. Your family and friends mean well, but they cannot advise you as well as a licensed insurance agent on this issue.
Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
Answered by Steven Lovell on May 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, CA, FL & 7 other states
Answered by Ron Cronwell on July 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN
Answered by Shelly Hefley on April 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN
Answered by Melanie Blackston on July 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC, GA & NC
When I sit with a client we go over what I call a "Medicare 101". My goal is to educate my client on these two options by going over the pros and cons of both. That way in the end they can make an educated decision on what is best for them.
Answered by Jeremy Henry on May 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in VA
Answered by Czarida Leyco on July 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, MA, ME, NY & SC
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
The role of an insurance broker is as such: each and every year we have to be tested for the changes of Medicare laws/ guidelines and go through training to know the changes of the plans as they can change yearly. Seek professional help- often times
I have saved people quite a bit per year.
Answered by Carol Thompson on June 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on April 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Toni Chavez on June 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT
Original Medicare does not cap out-of-pocket expenses, and does not cover additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Medicare Advantage does cap out-of-pocket expenses. This means that after you have paid a certain amount out-of-pocket, you won’t pay anything else for the rest of your plan year. This max out-of-pocket expense is set by your plan.
Also, Medicare Advantage covers additional benefits that Original Medicare does not, as mentioned, like dental, vision, hearing and more.
Answered by Linda Davies on July 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in IL
What reasons are your kids recommending a Medicare Advantage plan?
Answered by Tony Merwin on June 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AR, AZ & 28 other states
Answered by Sonya Chandler on May 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, AZ, FL & 5 other states
Here is more information:
Original Medicare
Includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
Administered by the federal government.
Provider Network: Allows you to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Referrals: Generally, you don't need a referral to see a specialist.
Prescription Drug Coverage: Doesn't include prescription drug coverage (Part D), so you'd need to purchase a separate Part D plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Doesn't have an out-of-pocket maximum.
Extra Benefits: Doesn't cover routine vision, hearing, or dental care.
Travel Coverage: Provides coverage throughout the U.S. Generally doesn't cover medical care outside the U.S.,
Medicare Advantage plans can offer lower premiums, may include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits like vision and dental care, and has an out-of-pocket maximum to limit your spending. However, you'll need to stay within the plan's network for most care and might need referrals for specialists.
Answered by Leisha Stevens on August 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, CA, FL & NC
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Coverage: Hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B).
Flexibility: You can see any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare without needing a referral.
Costs: You pay premiums for Part B, and typically deductibles and coinsurance for services.
Additional Coverage: You may need to buy a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs and/or a Medigap policy for extra coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Coverage: Includes everything Original Medicare covers plus often additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and sometimes prescription drugs.
Network: Generally requires you to use a network of doctors and hospitals; may require referrals for specialists.
Costs: Often lower premiums than Original Medicare + Medigap, but you might have copayments or coinsurance with each service.
Extra perks: Some plans offer fitness programs, transportation, or wellness benefits.
Who to Listen To? You decide what is best for you. I am available to assist with Part D carriers or if you choose a Medicare Advantage, I will assist you with choosing the carrier that best meets your needs.
I hope this helps.
Tanja Roulhac,
Licensed Medicare Broker
Answered by Tanja Roulhac on May 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 7 other states
Answered by Christopher Stewart on July 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ, CO & KS
Answered by Jessie Rhodes on July 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 23 other states
Answered by Dennis Sullivan on June 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Jeremy Watson on July 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY & MI, OH, SC & TN
Answered by Donald Baker on June 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN
Answered by Edward Wooten on July 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL & MO
For better understanding of your options reach out a professional to help guide you through the process
Answered by Christian Marti Del Campo on June 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, FL, OK & SC
Answered by Renee Pena on May 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, CA, CO & 12 other states
The reality is you don't get health care for free - not even Medicare. If you want narrow provider networks owned by insurance companies, then select Medicare Advantage. If you want roughly 70% of the services you receive, requiring prior authorizations by the insurance company which allows them to respond by saying, "Not medically necessary," then select Medicare Advantage. If you need major surgery and end up spending 5 days in the hospital, which requires you to pay at least $1,500 out-of-pocket, then take Medicare Advantage.
I could go on. So, give me a call to follow up and to help you select a solid Medicare Supplement Plan. You can put an end to the argument and feel good about your choice. My number is 717-968-9300. _Patrick
Answered by Patrick Lohrey on April 17, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD & VA
Tags: Advice for Seniors Medicare Advantage
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