How Many People Switch from Traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

In recent years, Medicare Advantage enrollment has been on the rise while the number of people covered under Original Medicare has declined. Many Medicare beneficiaries are opting to get their benefits from private insurers that contract with Medicare to provide all-in-one plans. But just how many seniors are switching over to Medicare Advantage compared to staying in traditional fee-for-service Medicare?

Overview of Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 and older. Original Medicare includes Part A for hospital coverage and Part B for medical insurance. Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, provides an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits through private plans.

Statistics on Switching from Medicare to Medicare Advantage in 2023

• In 2023, 29.5 million Americans are projected to be enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans, while only around 18 million will have Original Medicare.

• This represents a continuing trend of increasing Medicare Advantage enrollment. Since 2018, Medicare Advantage enrollment has increased by over 14 million people.

• Over the past decade, the share of Medicare beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage Plans has grown from 30% in 2013 to an estimated 64% in 2023.

• In 2022, over 27 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans, compared to around 19 million in Original Medicare.

Reasons for Switching to Medicare Advantage Plan

What's behind this major shift from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

• Medicare Advantage Plans may often have lower out-of-pocket costs in the form of reduced or $0 premiums, copays, and deductibles.

• Many plans offer additional benefits to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled not covered by Medicare like vision, dental, hearing and wellness programs.

• The convenience of having medical, hospital, and prescription drug coverage combined in one plan appeals to beneficiaries.

Pros and Cons of Switching to Medicare Advantage

Pros

• Lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs

• Extra benefits not offered by Medicare

• One plan for all coverage

Cons

• Limited provider network

• Prior authorizations required

• Changes each year to plan benefits

Who Should Switch to Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage Plans are a great option for enrollees who:

• Have chronic health conditions and take several medications

• Qualify for plans that have $0 premiums

• Don't mind network restrictions to access lower costs

• Travel frequently within the United States

Who Should Not Switch to Medicare Advantage?

Certain enrollees may be better off staying in Original Medicare, such as:

• Those who want the freedom to see any provider or specialist without referrals

• People who travel internationally and want worldwide emergency coverage

• Beneficiaries who qualify for Medigap policies that supplement Medicare

Conclusion

The number of Medicare beneficiaries who have switched from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Plans has skyrocketed over the past decade. Attractive benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs continue to motivate many seniors to make the switch during open enrollment periods. But Medicare Advantage isn't the right choice for everyone. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide whether or not to join the millions making the change.

We’re Here to Help

You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give the licensed insurance agents at Bourgeois Insurance a Call at (985) 803-8999. 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

What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage?

A: Around 27% of all Medicare beneficiaries (over 12 million people) are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans.

What is the difference between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

 Traditional Medicare is administered directly by the government and includes Parts A, B & D. Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurers under contract with Medicare as an alternative "bundled" option.

Are Medicare beneficiaries allowed to switch between Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare?

 Yes, beneficiaries can switch plans during the Annual Election Period each fall or qualify for special enrollment periods under certain circumstances.

How many beneficiaries are enrolled in Traditional Medicare?

 Roughly 73% of all Medicare beneficiaries (over 32 million people) have Traditional Medicare rather than a Medicare Advantage Plan.

What factors influence whether beneficiaries switch to traditional Medicare Plans or stay with the same coverage?

 Plan costs, availability of providers, health status changes and satisfaction with services can all impact switching behavior between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

What government agency regulates the Medicare program?

 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), oversees both Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Are Medicare Advantage enrollees more likely to disenroll than Traditional Medicare beneficiaries?

 Yes - studies show switch rates from Medicare Advantage back to Traditional Medicare are higher than switching from Traditional to Medicare Advantage.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans and Traditional Medicare Have the Same Benefits?

 Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all benefits available under Medicare Part A and Part B. Many plans also include additional benefits and lower or no premiums.

What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid?

 Approximately 15-20% of all Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

How has enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans changed in recent years?

Medicare enrollment has grown substantially since the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and now represents a significantly larger share of total Medicare beneficiaries compared to past years.