Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans do a lot of advertising promising low costs and extra perks. But there’s more to the story. These plans are run by private insurers. They resemble HMOs, so coverage, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs can vary. Younger, healthier seniors may find these plans acceptable l—but for others, the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage can cause problems.

In this section, you’ll see how Medicare Advantage compares to traditional Medicare.

Good decisions start with clear information — so you can protect your health without costly surprises.

The Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage

These popular plans may carry hidden risks. Here’s what to know.

Three Reasons Why Medicare Advantage Might Not Be Right For You

Medicare coverage isn’t one size fits all. Therefore, it’s crucial to research all your options. Beneficiaries can either pair Original Medicare with a Medigap plan or, through an Advantage plan, have a private insurance carrier pay instead of Medicare.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Choose

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you’re suddenly faced with more health insurance options than you’ve ever had before. In addition to Original Medicare, the average beneficiary has access to roughly 50 different Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Choice is a good thing, but it can also be overwhelming.

The Truth About Those Medicare Advantage TV Commercials

Here’s the bottom line from Omdahl and the “Friends Talk Money” hosts: Some of what you hear on those Medicare Advantage TV ads is true, but the fine print shows that “free” isn’t really “free.” When the commercials say “zero premium, zero deductible and zero co-pay,” that’s not the whole story.