What Are the Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage?

What is Medicare Advantage?

When enrolling in Medicare you can choose between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Under Traditional Medicare you select Parts A and B, and have the option of adding Part D or a medigap plan. Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurers and are an alternative to traditional Medicare. These plans typically include coverage for Parts A, B, and D. Additionally these plans might have lower premiums and offer additional benefits like services for vision, hearing, and dental.

Pros and Cons

While a Medicare Advantage plan may offer more benefits than a Traditional Medicare plan, there are some disadvantages as well.

Pros	Cons
Might offer extra benefits that Traditional plans don't such as dental, vision, or hearing.	Can only access providers in-network.
Might pay a lower premium (most plans have a $0 premium).	Copayments or other out-of-pocket costs might be higher than what you would pay in a Traditional Plan.
Can receive coordinated care through a Primary Care Provider.	Might be more difficult to get care away from your home.

With most types of insurance, there are advantages and disadvantages to different plans. In general, Medicare Advantage plans will include more benefits, but your options for providers may be restricted. To learn more about the difference between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, check out this article.

For more information and help on navigating different Medicare plan options, you can contact your local SHIP agency or visit Medicare.gov.

---

Join Our Facebook Group