Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Medicare Advantage plans are health plans offered by private insurance companies that provide Medicare benefits. With more plans available than ever in 2023, you may be considering enrolling in one. Medicare Advantage provides an alternative to original Medicare, but also has some drawbacks to weigh. This article will overview what Medicare Advantage plans cover, key benefits and disadvantages to understand, and what to think about when evaluating plans available in your area.

Medicare Advantage Covers What Original Medicare Does

Medicare Advantage plans must cover all services that original Medicare (Part A and Part B benefits ) covers. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive services, etc. Plans cover Part D prescription drugs in most cases as well. Basically, the health plan provides the same Medicare benefits you would get with traditional fee-for-service Medicare.

Plans may also offer additional benefits that Medicare does not cover like dental, vision, hearing aids, transportation to medical appointments, gym memberships, and more. These extra benefits are a key advantage of Medicare Advantage plans for many enrollees.

Advantages and Additional Benefits of Medicare Advantage

There are a number of potential advantages to enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan rather than sticking with original Medicare:

Lower out-of-pocket costs – With Medicare Advantage, you pay a monthly premium and copays/coinsurance costs up to a yearly limit. With original Medicare, 20% coinsurance applies to most services without a cap.
Additional benefits – Most plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, transportation, etc. Original Medicare has no coverage for these.
Coordinated care – Many Advantage plans provide coordinated care and case management services to help manage chronic conditions.
Prescription drug coverage – Part D prescription drug coverage is included with most Medicare Advantage plans whereas you have to purchase separate Part D to get drug coverage with original Medicare.
Travel coverage – Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for emergency care outside the plan’s service area. Original Medicare does not cover care outside the U.S.
Special needs plans – For those with specific conditions like diabetes or dementia, Special Needs Plans tailor benefits, providers, and drug formularies.

Potential Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage to Consider

However, there are also some potential drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans to consider:

Network restrictions – Most Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks, so your choice of doctors/hospitals may be limited compared to original Medicare which allows you to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare. Access to specialists in particular may be restricted with some plans.
Prior authorization – Medicare Advantage plans may require you get prior authorization before receiving certain services. With original Medicare, no authorization is required.
Premiums and copays – In addition to the medicare Part B premium you pay under original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans also can charge an additional premium and copays for services.
Drug formulary restrictions – Part D prescription drug plan under Medicare Advantage has a formulary so certain drugs may not be covered.
No Medigap – You cannot purchase a Medigap plan to cover out-of-pocket costs if you join a Medicare Advantage plan.
Lock-in – Advantage enrollees can only make plan changes during open enrollment unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Medicare Advantage Plans

If you’re considering enrolling in Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, here are key questions to ask:

What is the monthly premium for the plan? What is the yearly out-of-pocket spending limit?
Are my doctors/hospitals in the plan’s network? How about any specialists I see regularly?
What additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing aids are included?
Does the plan cover my prescriptions? Is prior authorization required for any drugs I take?
What is the copay to see a primary care provider or specialist? How much are ER visits?
Does the medicare plan offer additional perks like gym membership, transportation benefits, or meal delivery?
What is the procedure to get referrals to specialists or authorization for tests/procedures?
Can I access care from out-of-network providers if needed? What are the costs?

Thoroughly researching plans available in your area is important to find the right Medicare Advantage plan aligned with your healthcare needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

Medicare Advantage plans can provide benefits beyond what you get with original Medicare, like capped out-of-pocket spending, vision, dental, and more. But network restrictions, prior authorization, premiums, and limited flexibility to change plans are disadvantages to consider. Evaluate all options during open enrollment to choose the best approach for your medical and financial situation.

I’m Here to Help

You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give Nick Boushay a call at (888) 508-1781. You will get the answers you seek in a matter of minutes, with no pressure and no sales pitch. We are truly here to help.

FAQS

Do medicare advantage plans have to accept everyone in 2023?

Yes, starting from 2023, medicare advantage plans will be required to accept everyone who is eligible for medicare. This means that individuals with pre-existing conditions or other health issues cannot be denied coverage.

What are the disadvantages of medicare advantage plans?

Some of the disadvantages of medicare advantage plans include limited provider networks, restrictions on out-of-network care, and the need for prior authorization for certain services. Additionally, these plans may require referrals to see specialists and may not cover certain medications or treatments.

How can I enroll in a medicare advantage plan?

To enroll in a medicare advantage plan, you must first be eligible for medicare. You can then choose a plan that is available in your area and enroll during the annual open enrollment period or during a special enrollment period if you meet certain criteria.

What is a medicare supplement?

A medicare supplement, also known as Medigap, is a type of insurance policy that can help cover the costs that are not paid for by traditional medicare. These policies are sold by private insurance companies and can help pay for things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

What are the pros and cons of medicare?

The pros of medicare include comprehensive coverage for hospital and medical services, guaranteed enrollment for most people, and the option to choose between traditional medicare and medicare advantage plans. However, some of the cons include gaps in coverage, the need for supplemental insurance, and potential out-of-pocket costs.

What are the cons of medicare advantage plans?

Some of the cons of medicare advantage plans include restrictions on provider choices, potential higher out-of-pocket costs for certain services, and the need to follow plan rules and guidelines. Additionally, these plans may not cover services that are considered medically necessary by a provider.

Can I switch back to original medicare from a medicare advantage plan?

Yes, you have the option to switch back to original medicare from a medicare advantage plan. You can do this during the annual open enrollment period or other enrollment periods designated by medicare.

What are the benefits of a medicare advantage plan?

Medicare advantage plans often include additional benefits beyond what is covered by medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, dental and vision services, and wellness program offerings. These plans may also have lower or fixed costs for certain services.

How are medicare advantage plans different from traditional medicare?

Medicare advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide all the traditional medicare part A and B benefits ), as well as additional benefits. These plans may have different costs, rules, and restrictions compared to traditional medicare.

Do medicare advantage plans cover all medicare services?

Medicare advantage plans are required to cover all medicare services, but they may have different rules, restrictions, and cost-sharing arrangements compared to traditional medicare. It’s important to review the specific plan details to understand what services are covered.