Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Answered by 53 licensed agents

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People don't understand the differences between Medicare supplement, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage. Of course, Medicare Advantage gets all the commercials, all the hype, and stuff in your mailbox. What we do here is explain to our clients both the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage. Whatever makes more sense for the client, we help them with that. So, work with someone who can offer you both Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage. More importantly, work with someone who's dealt with it for years and knows the good and bad about both plans. These decisions are way too important to leave to chance or wait until the last minute. Let us help you. We'd be glad to.

Answered by Tony Capraro III on April 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH & ME

Answered by Tony Capraro III Medicare Insurance Agent
Choice! Managed health care, like Medicare Advantage plans, controls your health care. You must stay within their network of doctors and rely on referrals and denials on MAPD. The freedom to choose your own doctors is available with Original Medicare plus a supplement, which allows you to manage your own health care as long as the doctors accept Medicare.

Answered by Gary Church on September 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent
If you live in a rural area,. or an area that does not have a good Medicare Advantage plan "network", people can be disappointed in the amount of providers available to them. Sometimes people have been denied services from Advantage plans because the plan deemed the service not to be medically necessary.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent
M a NY issues as providers leaving due to compensation adjustments,poor client servive,not being able to see specialists they want and many plans are leaving certain areas

Answered by Mike Alexander on March 17, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Mike Alexander Medicare Insurance Agent
People are not leaving Medicare Advantage plans. Many people start off with supplements and change to Medicare Advantage plans Supplement plans start of around 100.00 per year and increase at 10+ % per year.

Answered by Daniel Brechin on November 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN

Answered by Daniel Brechin Medicare Insurance Agent
First of all, this is NOT TRUE! People enrolling in Advantage plans are increasing daily. Advantage plans have copays and co-insurance, but there is an annual cap.

Answered by William Lawler on June 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare Advantage is actually growing every year. Some people do leave because it is not for everyone. Make sure to look at your individual situation and find an agent that will show you all options to help you make an educated decision.

Answered by Jonathan Potter on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Jonathan Potter Medicare Insurance Agent
They aren't. This is misinformation. Per Law Medicare Advantage plans have to cover the exact same things as Medicare. They cant be different.

How it is Covered is different from plan to plan. Medicare Advantages have Extra Benefits like dental, vision, Hearing, and Over the Counter Items.

They can work out of state, out of network and out of country. Most plans do Not require a referral. Plans very from State to State so contact a local broker who can really educate you.

Answered by Tasha Riggs on June 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states

Answered by Tasha Riggs Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare Advantage plans are a great option. Although they are not perfect. Common reasons people leave medicare advantage plans are, accessing care due to network restrictions, problems with prior authorizations, and high out of pocket costs if you are very sick. This is common across all health insurance plans and carriers even the under 65 and people on medicaid. Medicare advantage plans even though not perfect are still a great option for many. Much better than original medicare.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent
In Florida, nearly sixty percent of the people newly eligible for Medicare have Medicare. Advantage plans. Most stay on Medicare Advantage.

Answered by Paul Potter on April 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Potter Medicare Insurance Agent
That is a matter of personal preference as it pertains several factors. Those factors vary by individual.

Answered by Sandy Johnson on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Sandy Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent
In my experience, people start to dislike a Medicare Advantage plan for one or more of the following reasons:

a. When they need more medical care and they have selected an HMO plan requiring a referral from a Primary Care Physician to see a Specialist.

b. Their doctors and hospitals do not accept their Medicare Advantage plan.

Just note that if you want to change to Traditional Medicare with a Medigap plan, you often need to pass a health questionnaire to qualify for a Medigap plan. This applies when you have Medicare Part B for longer than 6 months or have your Medicare Advantage plan for longer than 12 months. Other situations may require that as well.

Talk to a Medicare agent to understand your options.

Answered by Annelies Van Schie on September 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, FL, NC, OK & SD

Answered by Annelies Van Schie Medicare Insurance Agent
People leave Medicare Advantage plans for a few recurring reasons:

They want broader provider choice. Many Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, and people may switch if their doctors or hospitals are out of network or if they travel and want fewer network limits.

They run into prior authorization or coverage denials. Some members leave after delays or hassles getting approvals for services, rehab, imaging, or certain drugs.

Costs become less predictable than expected. Even with low or $0 premiums, members can face copays/coinsurance that add up, higher costs for frequent care, and hitting the plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Their plan changes from year to year. Networks, drug formularies, premiums, and cost-sharing can change annually, and a “good” plan one year may fit poorly the next.

They prefer Original Medicare’s structure. Some people switch because they want fewer plan rules, easier use of out-of-area providers, or the option to pair Original Medicare with a Medigap policy (when available/affordable).

They feel they enrolled based on confusing marketing. Some beneficiaries later realize key limitations (like networks or prior authorization) were not fully understood at sign-up.

One important caution is that switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare does not always guarantee you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting, depending on your state and timing.

Answered by Richard Pagano on January 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ & OR

Answered by Richard Pagano Medicare Insurance Agent
I have not seen a lot of people leaving Medicare Advantage. My experience has been people leaving supplemental plans to Medicare Advantage. The reason for this is usually cost.

Answered by Bob Greco on August 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, IA & IL

Answered by Bob Greco Medicare Insurance Agent
Many seniors are opting to leave Medicare Advantage plans due to a combination of rising out-of-pocket costs and limited provider networks. Healthcare expenses continue to rise, so some beneficiaries are finding that the premiums, copayments, and deductibles associated with these plans are quite burdensome. In addition, Medicare Advantage plans often restrict access to a network of providers, which may lead to difficulties in receiving care from preferred doctors or specialists they may need. This limitation can prompt seniors to seek more flexible options, such as going back to Original Medicare, which allows more freedom to choose healthcare providers without the constraints of a managed care network.

Another contributing factor to seniors leaving Medicare Advantage plans is the variability in plan benefits and coverage options. Many seniors are more aware of the complexities involved in making their healthcare choices, especially as they face chronic health conditions that require more comprehensive and specialized care. Some may find that the benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans do not meet their specific needs, leading them to relook at their coverage. Furthermore, with the many annual changes in plan offerings and benefits, seniors sometimes feel compelled to explore alternatives that provide more predictable and comprehensive coverage, reinforcing their decision to transition away from Medicare Advantage in favor of plans that work better with their individual healthcare requirements.

Answered by Jennifer Whitworth on September 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Jennifer Whitworth Medicare Insurance Agent
People are leaving Medicare Advantage plans for several reasons, including limited provider networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and hospitals, especially when traveling or if providers leave the network. Many enrollees are frustrated by annual changes in benefits, formularies, and out-of-pocket costs, which can create financial uncertainty. High or unexpected expenses, prior authorization requirements, and complex rules often delay or limit needed care, causing dissatisfaction. Additionally, some insurers are reducing benefits or dropping plans in certain markets, forcing members to find new coverage. Overall, lower plan quality ratings and difficulties accessing timely, affordable care have led more beneficiaries—particularly those with greater health needs—to switch back to traditional Medicare or seek other options.

Answered by Nathan Danovski on August 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, GA, SC & TN, VA, WV & WY

Answered by Nathan Danovski Medicare Insurance Agent
Most of our clients do not leave the Advantage Plans, For those that do, they leave because they can’t always see the doctors they want and may have to get approval for care. The plans can also change every year, and sometimes cost more than expected.

Answered by Jason Hark, MBA, CMIP on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AR & 17 other states

Answered by Jason Hark, MBA, CMIP Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare Advantage Plans continue their upward trajectory in percentage of people served and total people served, but there are many reasons why they may not be a good fit for everyone.

1. In some areas, an Advantage Plan may have a limited provider network. This could lead to a limitation of access or lack of choices for both primary and specialist care.

2. Out-of-pocket costs can be escalate quickly, especially with inpatient care or chronic condition care. While there are no hidden costs, being unaware of certain copayments or coverage limitations can leave unexpected bills. However, CMS regulation mandates that all Advantage Plans have a Max-Out-Of-Pocket (MOOP) where all covered services are paid by the carrier once the MOOP is met.

3. Prior authorizations and denied claims for medical procedures may have more of an impact on satisfaction level for those on Advantage Plans.

4. Annual Plan Changes can be confusing and hard to follow. Some plan changes include network, out of pocket costs, MOOP changes, and formulary changes.

There are other reasons why some may decide that Advantage are not a good fit. The alternative is returning to Original Medicare that can be supplemented with a Part D drug plan and Medigap Supplement plan. Just like with Advantage Plans, there are pros and cons to this approach as well. Happy to go into details!

Answered by Gabriel Reinhardt on October 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, KS, NC, TX, VA & WY

Answered by Gabriel Reinhardt Medicare Insurance Agent
They have realized that a Medigap plan aka, Med. Supplement does not have those “Prior Authorization” (PA) issues which will delay an immediate visit with a doctor. This means that your company wants to determine if a less expensive drug works just as well as the one originally written by your doctor. This process is also called “Step Therapy”. With the scarcity of doctors now in our society, it is rare if you are very sick to be able to see your Primary Care physician right away. So, that together with “PA” can be very frustrating when you don't feel well.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent
I think some people may not understand all of the costs that you pay when you receive services. Most of the plans cost $0 or a little on the front end but it is pay as you go with a maximum limit. Some people don't like that. They just want to pay up front and not worry about costs when they go to the doctor.

Answered by Cindy Clonts on June 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 9 other states

Answered by Cindy Clonts Medicare Insurance Agent
As a Broker, I am not finding that to be true. I would say that my business is 85 % Medicare Advantage and 15% Medicare Supplements. Medicare Supplements are appropriate for some, but most people don't go to the doctor enough to justify that monthly expense.

Answered by Tammie Rutledge on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in WA, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Tammie Rutledge Medicare Insurance Agent
I have historically set clients up with a fairly even mix of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans.

I'm finding that I am getting more phone calls lately from people who have had Medicare Supplement plans for many years and want to change to a Medicare Advantage plan.

I think if we, as brokers, educate clients properly then they are able to make a clear, well thought out decision on which direction they want to go with their Medicare coverage; traditional Medicare and a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan. There are benefits to both and there is a right answer for each person.

If we, as brokers, educate our clients well and then allow them to select the coverage that fits their personal financial situation and their personal value system then we will see a fairly even split between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans.

Answered by Katheryn Evans on May 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, CA & 13 other states

Answered by Katheryn Evans Medicare Insurance Agent
From information that the Carriers who offer Part C Medicare Advantage and MAPD plans has shared with us Agents during the last year they indicate that MAPD Plans have for the 1st time outpaced the sales of Medicare Supplement Plans. Possible reasons that some might consider moving back to traditional Medicare A and B vs staying in 1 of those plans might be desiring freedom to see any Doctor or Provider who accepts Medicare vs restricted to only see Doctors or Providers within a smaller a likely some smaller Network of the Insurance Carriers. Alternately some may find they'd prefer the healthcare costs predictability of a Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement Plan) coupled with traditional Medicare A and B, or may not like the annual Benefits changes and uncertainty surrounding MAPD Plans during Annual Enrollment Period, Great Question!

Answered by D. Scott Harrod on October 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by D. Scott Harrod Medicare Insurance Agent
Some people leave Medicare Advantage because they don’t like being limited to a network, or they’ve run into issues with prior authorizations and referrals. Others find out their doctors or hospitals aren’t covered. It really depends on their situation, which is why it’s important to review your options with a licensed representative.

Answered by Justin Kramer on October 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA

Answered by Justin Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent
In my experience when someone leaves a Medicare advantage plan, it could do to network issues or pricing of a product. Someone also might move out of the county they currently reside in so the plan is not available in that market or county. Consumers also might want to try something different or have a physical problem so a change is necessary.

Answered by Michael Braun on April 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, DE, FL, MD, NJ & SC

Answered by Michael Braun Medicare Insurance Agent
That answer would only be speculation and it would vary with different clientele. There is a decrease in coverage with the growth of enrollments. There are more rules and regulations when it comes to coverage with an Advantage plan, then there is with using regular Medicare and a supplemental plan. Although many people find Advantage plans to be more affordable and that is why they opted to initially try it. There are also people that are satified with their Advantage plans. That could be because they are relatively healthy and seldom need long-term or chronic care in a facility, so what they do use the coverage for is usually covered with no issues.

Answered by Gwendolyn Brown on January 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in OK, CA, GA & IL, LA, MI & TX

Answered by Gwendolyn Brown Medicare Insurance Agent
Actually more people are enrolling in Advantage plans each year! I don't know where this question is coming from, unless it comes from reading news on Facebook!

Answered by Andrew Kramer on August 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent
Very vague question, all my clients are on Med. Adv. plans as they can not afford or refuse to pay for the Med Sup or to stay on original Medicare.

Answered by Carol Thompson on October 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent
They maybe free but they’re full of problems. Deductible copayments Dr’s leaving the coverage due to lack of payment

Answered by Mike Henry on September 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Mike Henry Medicare Insurance Agent
People may leave a Medicare Advantage plan to go to another one during open enrollment.

Some people may try a Medicare Advantage plan and then decide to go back to a Medicare Supplement plan. As far as how many are on Medicare Advantage vs supplement, there are now more Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare Advantage than supplement plans across the US.

Answered by Deborah Webster on May 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent
Many people leave Medicare Advantage plans because they don't like the restrictions regarding "in network" doctors. Many seniors also like the stability of knowing 100% what their out-of-pocket medical expenses will be. With the "Maximum Annual out of Pocket" in MA plans the out of pocket can actually be significantly more than with original Medicare and a supplement.

Answered by Andrew Kelly on April 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA & OR

Answered by Andrew Kelly Medicare Insurance Agent
There has been growth among a certain segment in Medicare Advantage plans . The main reason that people are leaving Medicare Advantage plans is due to the carriers and the coverage. An agent needs to look at the needs of the client and the relationship with their PCP and Specialist. Most clients have an attachment to the healthcare in the region .

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on September 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent
In my opinion, there aren't a lot of people leaving Medicare advantage plans. In fact, I see the opposite as many people are switching from Medicare supplement plans to Medicare Advantage. Medicare Supplement are good but in general they do cost more money out of pocket because there is a monthly premium that needs to be paid. In addition, if a Medicare recipient would need to pay additional money out of their pocket if they needed benefits such as dental, vision and hearing. Medicare Advantage plans have additional benefits included where Medicare Supplement plans may offer discounts but do not have full ancillary benefits available. Those costs can start to add up quickly in this current day and age where inflation is taking a toll on all of us. In addition, Medicare supplement premiums will increase from year to year as well. Be aware, if you decide to switch form a Medicare supplement plan to a Medicare Advanta age and decided that you want to switch back, medical underwriting will be required. If you develop major health issues, then you may not qualify.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent
Thanks for your question! I’m not seeing clients leave medicare advantage plans, I am moving people from Medicare Supps to Medicare Advantage plans for the financial savings benefit as well as the value added benefits of OTC, Dental, Vision and hearing.

In Arizona 85% of the market is on medicare advantage plans. In my professional opinion MAPD make sense all the way around.

The advantage for my clients having me as their no cost broker I can review plan options every year and recommend based on their needs and benefits to maximize all offerings.

Hope this answers your question!

Toni Chavez

Answered by Toni Chavez on June 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT

Answered by Toni Chavez Medicare Insurance Agent
Because Medicare (Advantage and Supplement) involves complicated rules and procedures, lest updates and revisions from time to time, most beneficiaries get confused, eventually frustrated. You will need to understand Medicare/Medigap benefits, coinsurance, deductibles, copayment, hospital benefits, blood pints, hospice, skilled nursing care, etc.

You will need a licensed, AHIP certified person who knowledgeable and experienced to guide you through the rules and procedures that will clearly give you practical options and solutions.

Answered by Dominic Javier on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent
I haven't had that experience. But if a person can budget for it, staying in Medicare and buying a Supplement with a separate drug card gives you less potential out of pocket expenses. Although you don't get all the extra's of a Medicare Advantage plan. I do prefer the PPO plans over HMO plans in most cases.

Answered by James Wareheim on August 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, NV & SC

Answered by James Wareheim Medicare Insurance Agent
More and more people are trying to find insurance plans that their doctors take when individuals are on employer plans. The fact that that doctors are not wanting to take HMO plans or PPO plans is not creating an atmosphere where you may think that you will get the coverage needed. Doctors are being more selective about ehay patients take as well. The Medigap or Medicare Supplement plans are more like what people are used to while working. There is also a health component to this answer as well. We need to see more doctors as people are working longer. Advanthe plans often get a bad rap. The truth of the matter is that the extra benefits and referrals to competent doctors are well within the limits of an Advantage plan. I wouldnt be so quick to judge based on heresay.

Answered by Blaine Shipe on October 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & VA

Answered by Blaine Shipe Medicare Insurance Agent
I believe that alot of people are leaving plans because they are not getting what they need. Another reason maybe because the plans can change every year and they don't have anyone that can help them choose the right plan. Everyone needs to work with a Medicare professional to learn about the plans and make an informed decision on which plan is best for them. The process should be a journey not a sprint.

Answered by Chauncey Bragg on August 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Chauncey Bragg Medicare Insurance Agent
It is a combination of people leaving Medicare Advantage plans because their doctors are leaving plans, but more importantly the plans have abandoned their subscribers. Medicare Advantage plans are only one year contracts. They are 12 month obligations. That is not very stable for people to make plans about.

Answered by Mark Walker on January 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Mark Walker Medicare Insurance Agent
People are leaving Medicare Advantage plans because you have to mess with it every year to make sure your always getting the best deal. Also you have to mess with if your doctor is still in the network. However, I help my customers in doing this so it is an easier option.

Answered by Theodore Carpenter on August 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, AZ, IL & TN

Answered by Theodore Carpenter Medicare Insurance Agent
One of the reasons people are leaving Medicare Advantage plans is because as they age, their health deteriorates and Original Medicare can cost less than Medicare Advantage plans. Also, the networks limit who a patient can see for care. Medicare Advantage plans (the HMO and EPO plans) also require referrals. Medicare Advantage plans also require prior authorization before getting surgeries, etc., which lengthens the process for getting care. Lastly, some plans have chosen to exit the market so people are forced to either choose another plan or go back to Original Medicare. Overall, the concensus is that people are exiting due to dissatisfaction.

Answered by Elizabeth Henderson on November 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Elizabeth Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent
They have a low premium or even a $0 premium, but the out-of-pocket usually high, but the real issue is provider network. Medicare Supplements have no networl.

Answered by Larry Plyler on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC, NC & TN

Answered by Larry Plyler Medicare Insurance Agent
The scale of the problem

About 2.9 million enrollees were forced to disenroll from MA plans in 2026 — roughly 10% of all MA beneficiaries. The average forced disenrollment rate was just 1% from 2018–2024, making this an unprecedented spike.

Why insurers are pulling back

Government reimbursement to MA plans is estimated to have fallen 20% from 2023 levels by 2026. Combined with rising healthcare costs and higher post-pandemic utilization, insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna are cutting plans in less profitable regions.

Why beneficiaries are choosing to leave

4 out of 10 disenrollees cited prior authorization delays as their “breaking point.” Network shrinkage is also a major factor — several large hospital systems in the Midwest and Southeast have stopped accepting MA plans entirely.

In 2026 alone, 21 major health systems have dropped MA plans, citing frustrations with prior authorization denials and slow insurer reimbursements.

The “ghost network” problem

A 2025 audit found that up to 35% of doctors listed in MA plan directories were either not accepting new patients or had left the network entirely.

What happens when a plan disappears

If an MA plan is terminated, enrollees are automatically moved to traditional Medicare — but that switch comes with no out-of-pocket maximum, and getting Medigap after the fact can be difficult or expensive due to medical underwriting.

Answered by John Hawk on May 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, NY, PA & SC

Answered by John Hawk Medicare Insurance Agent
There are many reason why someone may choose to leave an advantage plan. The majority of people on Medicare are still on Advantage plans so it isn't necessarily a big exodus, but many people are concerned with the cuts happening to supplemental benefits or the potential for having a health claim denied. They may choose to go to original Medicare if they want to shoulder the 20% cost share or they may choose to get a supplemental plan (commonly referred to as Medigap plans) to help with what Medicare A & B do not cover. This decision should carefully analyzed based on health, income, and lifestyle. A competent Broker can guide individuals through the thought process to determine which route is best.

Answered by Alexander Lehn on June 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, CA, FL & TX

Answered by Alexander Lehn Medicare Insurance Agent
1. Network Restrictions: MA plans can have limited provider networks

2. Prior Authorization Delays and Denials: MA plans frequently require prior authorization for treatments, which can delay or deny care.

3. Plan Terminations and Market Exits

4. Difficulty Switching Back to Original Medicare:

Answered by Diana Pedersen on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA & ID

Answered by Diana Pedersen Medicare Insurance Agent
Generally the enrollment Numbers do not show people leaving.

However if they do leave it is because the plans were not fully explained to them

or they did not receive good customer service

or their enrolling broker was no where to be found when a problem arose.

My job is to put my clients first.

So when my Knoxville Tennessee Client falls and breaks her Hip in Texas, I worked with the Insurance company and Client to get the Medical benefits covered in Network.

OR

Pointing my Clients to Special Programs like Special Veterans programs or Hotlines .

I am Medicare Broker all the time 7 days a week 365

Answered by Bill Holland on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN

Answered by Bill Holland Medicare Insurance Agent
There are many reason's people are leaving Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. There are also many reasons why people are joining these same plans.

Some choose to leave because their doctors, medications, local hospital, copays, etc have changed. Other times (more rare) is there plan is no longer available in their area.

Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Even when some plans leave, there is a reason for it, and other plans are generally still available in that area.

People are still joining MA in huge amounts each year. The main thing we as agents aim to do, is to have a yearly review with each client to make sure their current plan still makes sense based on their individual needs. MA can be a great option for the right person, but it's not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Answered by Andrew Dooly on May 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, CT, GA & 6 other states

Answered by Andrew Dooly Medicare Insurance Agent
Not everyone is leaving an MAPD plan. I have many happy clients but sometimes people want more flexibility and will pay the extra money to have that. They lose a lot of benefits by switching.

Answered by Lara Goulson on August 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Lara Goulson Medicare Insurance Agent
You may have heard of neighbors or friends leaving the Medicare Advantage Market however I can say I have more people on the Medicare Advantage Market than on Original Medicare with or without a Medigap Plan. If people are leaving, it may be for the freedom they have utilizing Original Medicare with a Medigap Plan of being able to go to any physician or provider that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States. No network restrictions and with a few plans no co-pays.

Remember, if you are not in your initial election period you will have to go through underwriting when going with a Medigap plan to pair with Original Medicare.

Answered by Toni Johnson on May 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, IN, MO & 5 other states

Answered by Toni Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent
Because of network limits, prior authorizations, and unexpected costs. Others leave due to denied services, trouble seeing doctors, or plans reducing or changing benefits each year.

Answered by Maria Pantall on December 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & MI

Answered by Maria Pantall Medicare Insurance Agent
First, in most areas, we are not seeing people leave Medicare Advantage plans in any great numbers. In my experience, if people leave a Medicare Advantage plan it can be for a few reasons. Some people have a doctor or facility they want to see and that provider is not contracted with their Medicare Advantage plan. Some people travel most of the year and want the freedom to see any Medicare provider in the country without a referral required. On occasion, someone are given bad information on how their plan works and leaves a Medicare Advantage because of that bad info. Most times it is an education issue, not a plan issue. However, there are times when a Medicare Advantage plan is not the best fit, and moving to Original Medicare and a stand-alone Prescription drug plan and a stand-alone Denta, Vision, and Hearing plan is a good option.

Answered by Casey Peterson on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Casey Peterson Medicare Insurance Agent
There have been lots of changes coming to Advantage plans, which have made them less stable and more uncertain. Many companies have not renewed their policies for next year. Advantage plans, although they offer attractive premiums, are significantly more complex than simple Medigap Supplement policies. They are more restrictive as to where you may go for medical treatment. With a Medigap Supplement, after you have paid the annual deductible, all of your medical and hospital expenses that fall under the Medicare coverage umbrella are 100% covered.

Answered by Blake Beecher on November 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in MT

Answered by Blake Beecher Medicare Insurance Agent
Greetings,

I think some people are leaving because their doctors and hospitals are not in network because of the new restriction and the difficulties . Also, the cost of some medicines make play a factor and having to get pre-authorization.

Thank you for your question, Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have anymore questions.

Best Regards

Dee

Answered by Demetrus Morton on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, FL, MD, MI, SC & TX

Answered by Demetrus Morton Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Medicare Advantage

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