When I meet with people turning 65, one of the biggest decisions they have to make is whether to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or pair Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement.

There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” answer.

In fact, many Utah residents choose Medicare Advantage for very practical reasons. Here are the five most common reasons I hear from clients.

1. Lower Cost

The number one reason people choose a Medicare Advantage plan is simple—it’s often the least expensive option.

Many Medicare Advantage plans in Utah have $0 monthly premiums, meaning you don’t pay an additional premium beyond your Medicare Part B premium.

Compare that to a Medicare Supplement plan, which has a monthly premium in addition to Part B.  You also will have a Part D premium, and a Dental, Vision, Hearing plan premium on top of that.

For many healthy retirees, Medicare Advantage allows them to keep more money in their pocket each month.

Of course, the tradeoff is that Medicare Advantage plans usually have copays and coinsurance when you receive medical care. Many people are comfortable with that tradeoff because they don’t expect to have significant healthcare expenses every year.

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2. It’s Better Than the Coverage They’ve Had Before

This surprises a lot of people.

Many individuals coming onto Medicare have spent years with employer health insurance or individual plans that included:

• Large Deductibles of several thousand dollars
• 20% coinsurance
• Large out-of-pocket maximums
• High prescription drug costs

When they compare that coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan, they often feel like they’re getting much better coverage than they’ve had in years.

Instead of comparing Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement, they’re comparing it to the health insurance they’ve been living with for the past decade.

For many retirees, Medicare Advantage feels like an upgrade.

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3. Extra Benefits/Networks

Another reason Medicare Advantage plans are popular in Utah is the additional benefits many plans include.

Depending on the plan, benefits may include:

• Dental coverage
• Vision exams and eyewear
• Hearing exams and hearing aid allowances
• Fitness memberships
• Over-the-counter allowances
• Transportation benefits
• Telehealth services

While these benefits shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a plan, they certainly add value and can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for many retirees.

Networks:

Most medicare advantage plans include fantastic networks across Utah including: IHC, UofU, Mountain Star, Common Spirit/Holy Cross, Revere Health and thousands of independent doctors and facilities.  Not every plan is going to have every single doctor and facility in network, but most plans have very large networks.

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4. Their Friends and Family Have Medicare Advantage

People naturally ask those they trust.

I hear comments like:

“My neighbor loves their Medicare Advantage plan.”

Or:

“My sister has one and hasn’t had any problems.”

Personal recommendations carry a lot of weight.

When someone hears positive experiences from family members or friends, it often gives them confidence to explore Medicare Advantage themselves.

Of course, everyone’s healthcare needs are different, so what works well for one person may not be the best choice for someone else.

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5. Prescription Drug Coverage Is Often Better

For many retirees, prescription medications are one of the biggest factors in choosing a Medicare plan.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage, and many plans offer competitive copays on commonly used medications.

Depending on the medications someone takes, a Medicare Advantage plan may provide better prescription coverage than purchasing a standalone Part D plan with Original Medicare.

This is one of the first things I review with every client because prescription costs can vary significantly from one plan to another.

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The Bottom Line

There’s a reason millions of Americans—and thousands of Utah residents—choose Medicare Advantage every year.

For many people, it simply fits their needs.

That doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.

Some people place a higher value on the flexibility and predictable costs that come with a Medicare Supplement plan.

The key is understanding the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

If you’re turning 65 or planning to retire soon, taking the time to compare both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans can help you choose the coverage that’s right for your healthcare needs, budget, and retirement goals.

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I’ve helped thousands of Utah residents enroll in both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. The best choice isn’t the same for everyone—it depends on your health, budget, doctors, travel habits, and personal preferences.  If you want to see what might be best for you, let’s connect and go over your situation.

Tyler Haskell, CFP®

801-369-3090