What does AARP say about Medicare Advantage?

AARP views Medicare Advantage (MA) as a mixed bag, acknowledging its popularity and benefits like extra perks (dental/vision) and out-of-pocket caps, but strongly advocates for significant consumer protections, better network access, fairer prior authorization, and holding insurers accountable for misleading sales and care denials, pushing for changes to make MA more reliable for seniors. They support legislation for greater transparency, improved provider networks, and fairer processes, while also providing resources on how MA works and how it compares to Original Medicare.

Which company has the best medicare advantage plan for seniors?

There's no single "best" Medicare Advantage plan; it depends on your needs, but top providers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente (in CA) consistently rank high for network size, customer satisfaction, affordability (including $0 premiums), and extra benefits (dental, vision, wellness). The best plan for you will match your doctors, preferred hospitals, prescription drugs, budget, and desire for extra perks, so compare options using the official Medicare Plan Finder. 

What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is often the limited provider networks and restricted access to care, requiring prior authorizations, referrals, and potentially forcing you to switch doctors or travel far for specialists, creating barriers to timely treatment, especially for complex health issues, with potential for denials and mid-year changes. While MA offers extras like dental/vision, these networks can significantly limit choice and create hurdles for consistent, high-quality care compared to Original Medicare. 

Does AARP endorse any Medicare Advantage plans?

Yes, AARP endorses Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) offered through its exclusive partnership with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), paying them royalty fees for using the AARP name, with AARP providing information and advocacy but not being the insurer itself. 

Are people happy with their Medicare Advantage plans?

An AARP Research study of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries 66 and older shows high satisfaction rates among those who identify themselves as being in very good or excellent health — although those who self-identify as being in poor or fair health express less satisfaction with their plan.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?

Which medicare advantage plan denies the most claims?

Centene (Wellcare) and CVS Health (Aetna) have faced scrutiny for high prior authorization denial rates in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, with reports showing they had the most denied requests in 2023, though many denials were overturned on appeal, indicating issues with their strict criteria, while UnitedHealthcare also faces lawsuits and uses technology that has led to increased denials, especially for post-acute care, highlighting systemic challenges with MA plan claim approvals. 

Why are seniors dropping Medicare Advantage plans?

While these plans often offer bundled deals and lower out-of-pocket costs, they can also present issues, such as doctors being out-of-network and treatments requiring prior authorization.

What are the disadvantages of AARP Medicare Advantage?

Key Takeaways. Medicare Advantage offers extra benefits, but out-of-network care may be limited or costly. Other disadvantages include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, and limitations on extra benefits.

Is UnitedHealthcare cancelling Medicare Advantage plans?

Yes, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is significantly scaling back some Medicare Advantage offerings, exiting markets in over 100 counties and discontinuing plans affecting hundreds of thousands of members, primarily PPO plans in rural areas, for the 2026 plan year due to increased costs and regulatory changes, though they remain the largest MA provider overall. Members affected will receive notices and need to find new plans, but UHC aims to guide them to other available options like HMOs or different plans in their portfolio. 

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Yes, you can drop your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and return to Original Medicare, typically during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the MA Open Enrollment Period (OEP) (Jan 1–Mar 31), though you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you move or have other qualifying life events, but be aware you'll need to get a Part D plan and might want a Medigap plan to help with costs. 

Is it better to have plain Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider choice, with Original Medicare offering nationwide provider freedom but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while MA provides all-in-one coverage with networks and extra benefits like dental/vision but often requires referrals and has regional limits. 

What states have the worst Medicare Advantage plans?

States often cited for weaker Medicare Advantage performance include Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Florida, due to challenges with care access, provider shortages, and quality issues like higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations and inappropriate medication prescriptions, though specific rankings vary by report and focus (e.g., satisfaction vs. overall system). Other states like New York, California, Texas, and Michigan appear on lists for low member satisfaction with specific plans, not necessarily the whole state's system. 

Why do doctors not accept Medicare Advantage?

The most common reason that doctors may discontinue their acceptance of Medicare Advantage is that the private insurance company makes it difficult or time-consuming for the doctor to get paid for their services.

What is the downside of having a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage (MA) disadvantages include restricted provider networks (HMO/PPO), needing prior authorization for care, potential denials of coverage, limited out-of-network/travel coverage, annual plan changes (benefits/networks), and complex marketing, making it harder to budget for unexpected costs compared to Original Medicare's broad network and more predictable expenses. 

Is Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare better?

UnitedHealthcare gets slightly higher overall star ratings than BCBS and may offer lower prices, but BCBS might offer a better customer experience.

What Medicare plan covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare covers most medically necessary services and supplies in hospitals, doctors' offices, and other health care facilities.

Is the AARP UnitedHealthcare Advantage plan good?

AARP/UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Medicare Advantage plans get mixed reviews: they're praised for large networks, brand trust, and potential savings in some areas, but criticized for claim denials, unpredictable costs varying by location, and potential restricted access to some providers, making them a popular but sometimes complicated choice needing careful local plan comparison. 

Are Medicare Advantage plans going away in 2026?

No, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are not going away entirely in 2026, but many plans are being discontinued, scaled back, or changing, affecting over a million enrollees who must find new coverage, as insurers adjust to new regulations, increased costs, and shifting market strategies, leading to fewer choices in some areas. Insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana are exiting more counties than they enter, while some health systems are also dropping MA networks. 

What is the most highly rated Medicare Advantage plan?

There's no single "most highly rated" Medicare Advantage plan nationwide, as ratings vary by location and insurer, but Kaiser Permanente often leads in integrated care markets (like CA) for high CMS & J.D. Power scores. Aetna gets high marks for nationwide reach & ratings, while UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and SCAN Health Plan are consistently strong performers with high CMS Star Ratings and member satisfaction, often offering $0 premium options and extra benefits. 

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Citing decreased federal payments and rising health care costs, the private health insurers Martin's Point, UnitedHealth and Anthem are pulling their Medicare Advantage plans from New Hampshire in 2026. In Cheshire County, only two insurers will continue offering Medicare Advantage plans.

What company has the best dental benefits for seniors?

The Best Dental Insurance for Seniors

• Spirit Dental : No network restrictions.
• Humana Dental : Best comprehensive dental coverage.
• Aetna Dental : No-cost preventive care.
• Cigna Dental : Simple claims process.
• Delta Dental : Best affordable option.
• UnitedHealthcare Dental : No waiting periods.

What are the major issues of AARP?

The AARP Public Policy Institute focuses on issues importance to older adults: Social Security; health issues; Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act; work and retirement; long-term services and supports and family caregiving; consumer protection; livable communities.

Is it better to have traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Traditional Medicare nor Medicare Advantage is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle, with Original Medicare offering broad provider choice and travel coverage but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles coverage, often includes extra benefits (dental/vision), has an out-of-pocket max, but uses provider networks and may need prior approvals. 

Is Medicare changing in 2025 for seniors?

In 2025, the biggest Medicare changes for seniors focus on Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) with a new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap, eliminating the "donut hole," allowing monthly payments for drug costs, and introducing price negotiations, while Medicare Advantage plans face potential benefit adjustments, and Part B premiums and deductibles will increase. Expect some MA plans to reduce extra perks to offset new drug costs, plus updates to telehealth and integrated care options.