1. 2275 POINTS
    Bill Loughead
    President, SummitMedigap.com, CO, FL, GA, MI, NC, SC & TX
    The short answer is that it depends on what you are looking for.  Most Medicare Advantage plans have either $0 premium or very little premium per month.  Everyone likes free or is it really free? One of the biggest things to look for in a Medicare Advantage plan is the "max out of pocket cost" which can be as high as $6,700 per year.  There is also a network so you would need to make sure you see doctors within that network.  The benefits on the plan can change from year to year as well as the network itself.

    The best thing to do is to compare a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap plan) to determine what is best for you.  A Medicare Supplement plan will have a monthly premium, however, the "max out of pocket costs" can be zero or close to it.  There is also no network and the benefits can't change with a Medicare Supplement plan.  A lot of people who have a Medicare Supplement plan like the idea of being able to budget monthly for the expense and not have to worry about a big medical bill coming unexpectedly.

    Contact an independent agent that specializes in Medicare plans and they will be able to review all your options with you.
    Answered on May 29, 2014
  2. 2330 POINTS
    Steve Adlman
    Owner, Alabama Medicare Plans, Birmingham, Alabama
    Medicare Advantage (MA) are good plans if you are in good health and not using a lot of medical services. In Alabama where I practice MA Plans have high out of pocket cost for people with serious or chronic health problems, as much as $6700 in a calendar year. The problem I see with MA Plans is that people start out using them when they are in good health but once your health changes and you have to use your MA Plan more and more you become unhappy with your out of pocket cost for Medicare covered services. If you become unhappy with your MA Plan and want to switch to a Medicare Supplement you may not be able to if you have serious health problems or you may pay a much higher premium because of your health.

    My professional recommendation is to get a Medicare Supplement even if you are in good health because you need a Medicare Health Plan that not only meets your needs today but will continue to meet your needs as you get older and your health care needs change. If you wait until you need a Medicare Supplement because your health has changed you may not be able to. Insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement Plans can and do turn down people that have serious pre-existing health conditions.
    Answered on October 18, 2015
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