What are the most overhyped benefits of Medicare Advantage plans that seniors should be wary of?
Answered by 11 licensed agents
Answered by Gretchen Morris on March 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in MN, AZ, FL & WI
Answered by Larry Dalton on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Answered by Tony Capraro III on March 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in NH
Any time you hear about generous food cards, by all means, contact an agent to see if they are available in your area, but don't believe the hype that you will get hundreds of dollars a month for food. Those benefits are few and far between.
Answered by Cynthia Nakaya on April 29, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, GA, MO & TX
Answered by Antonio Espino on April 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Answered by Michael Crocker on April 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC
Answered by Valentina Gatewood on May 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID & NJ
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
1. "Free" or Limited Benefits:
Dental and Vision: Brochures & ads may tout "free" dental or vision coverage, but average coverage limits for vision are often minimal (e.g., $160), and dental coverage may have annual dollar limits (e.g., $1,000 or less).
Fitness:
Fitness benefits might have restrictions on usage times or gym access.
2. Copays and Out-of-Pocket Costs:
Despite $0 premiums:
Many plans have zero premiums, but beneficiaries still have to pay copays and coinsurance for services.
Annual maximums don't cover everything:
The annual maximum out-of-pocket costs for medical care often exclude prescription drug costs.
3. Network Restrictions and Prior Authorization:
Provider Networks:
Some plans restrict coverage to in-network providers, limiting choices for specialists or preferred doctors.
Prior Authorization:
Many plans require prior authorization for certain services, which can delay or even deny care.
4. High Premiums and Unexpected Costs:
Monthly Premiums:
While some plans may have low or zero premiums, beneficiaries still need to factor in the Medicare Part B premium, which is $185 in 2025, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
Unexpected Costs:
Some beneficiaries may face unexpectedly high costs when they become ill or discover that their network lacks the necessary providers.
In short, seniors should carefully evaluate Medicare Advantage plans beyond the surface-level benefits and consider the potential drawbacks like network restrictions, prior authorization, and hidden costs.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 8, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
First of all, they're not as good coverage as Medicare supplement plans not even close
People love them because they have $0 monthly premiums but once they become seriously ill they can spend anywhere from $4 to $10,000 a year out of pocket
They offer freebies. Beware of freebies, the more they give you the higher your maximum out of pocket is each year
The dental plans are terrible. They have so many restrictions that they are almost of no value except to get your teeth cleaned and it's often more and more difficult to find a dentist that will take them
The vision plan coverages okay
Hearing plan coverage is okay
If they start offering you like $50 a quarter towards pharmacy and items like bandages, cough syrup etc. Beware that's a trap. The more they give you the higher your max out of pocket. What you want is the least of perks and the lowest Max out of pocket because once you get sick that max out of pocket is the maximum you have to spend before your insurance kicks in at 100% too. So if it's 5'8 $10,000 a year and you have a long-term illness, you're going to be paying that every year and and you'll go broke. That is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy today and their poor coverage
Medicare supplements you don't have that issue
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Answered by Ellen Diehl on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA
Tags: Agent Interview Medicare Advantage
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