Three Myths About Medicare Advantage

Here at Independent Benefit Advisors, our goal is to help you get the medical coverage you need. As part of that mission, we are happy to answer any questions you have about Medicare, and we do our best to clear up common myths about this program. In this article, we’ll focus on Medicare Advantage specifically, and go over three of the most frequent misconceptions that people have about this part of the Medicare system.

• Myth #1: You’ll lose your standard Medicare if you enroll in an Advantage plan. One of the most common pieces of misinformation that we have encountered in regard to Medicare Advantage is that enrolling in an Advantage plan will somehow cancel your original Medicare plan. That is not exactly true. Having Medicare Advantage just means that you’ll get parts A and B from the same private provider that you get part C (the Advantage plan) from, rather than from the government.
• Myth #2: Medicare Advantage offers limited choices when it comes to providers.  Another common myth about Medicare Advantage plans is that they will force you to choose from a short list of providers, leaving you with little flexibility in your treatment. While not every health care provider is included in the options that this type of plan covers, we assure you that you will have a wide range of choices to get care that works for you.
• Myth #3: Once you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you’ll be stuck with it forever.  A third common worry that people have about Medicare Advantage is that they won’t be able to change their minds if it turns out that they’re not happy with their coverage. The truth is that you are able to return to original Medicare or switch plans within the Advantage program if you so choose.