Heard a Rumor About Medicare Advantage? Let’s Clear It Up.
If you’ve been talking to friends or watching TV commercials, you’ve probably heard a few conflicting things about Medicare Advantage plans.
Some sound too good to be true. Others feel a little scary.
Let’s walk through some of the most common myths—and calmly sort out the facts.
❌ Myth #1: “I’ll lose my doctor if I choose a Medicare Advantage plan.”
✅ Reality: Not necessarily.
It’s true that Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, but many of those networks are large and include a wide range of doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
Some plans (like PPOs) even allow you to see out-of-network doctors—just at a different cost level.
The key is checking the provider directory before enrolling. You don’t have to guess or hope.
Ask a licensed agent to help you verify whether your preferred doctors are in-network for the plan you’re considering.
❌ Myth #2: “Medicare Advantage doesn’t cover everything that Original Medicare does.”
✅ Reality: It absolutely does.
By law, Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare covers—that includes both Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) services.
In fact, many Medicare Advantage plans also include additional coverage, like:
- Vision and hearing services
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Wellness programs
Just remember: benefits can vary by plan and location, so it’s worth reviewing what’s included.
❌ Myth #3: “If the plan costs $0, it must be a scam.”
✅ Reality: $0-premium plans are real and legitimate.
Here’s how it works: Medicare pays private insurance companies to offer Medicare Advantage plans. In some areas, these companies can offer plans with $0 monthly premiums thanks to those payments.
You still have to pay your Part B premium, and cost-sharing (like copays and coinsurance) still applies—but the plan itself may not charge an extra premium.
It’s not too good to be true… it’s just how Medicare Advantage is structured.
❌ Myth #4: “I’ll be locked in and can never change plans.”
✅ Reality: You can change Medicare Advantage plans at specific times each year—but it’s important to know the rules around Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, too.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare, you can typically switch to another Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31).
However, if you later decide you want to switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you may be required to go through medical underwriting—unless you’re still in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or qualify for a guaranteed issue right.
???? What this means: If you’re in good health now and thinking about Medigap in the future, it’s important to understand that you may not be automatically accepted later. Some states have more flexible rules, but not all.
That’s why many seniors review both options carefully up front—and why speaking with a licensed agent can help you understand the long-term pros and cons of each path.
❌ Myth #5: “Medicare Advantage is just too confusing.”
✅ Reality: It can feel that way at first—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
That’s exactly why licensed agents exist. They’re trained to walk you through the options, explain how each plan works, and help you compare them side-by-side.
No pressure. Just real guidance.
Once you break it down, it’s not as complicated as it first seems.
In Conclusion: Don’t Let Myths Make Your Medicare Decisions
There’s a lot of noise out there. But when it comes to your health coverage, you deserve facts, not fear.
Medicare Advantage plans can be a great fit for many people—but only you can decide what works for your needs.
Have questions? Licensed agents can help walk you through the pros, the trade-offs, and the details—calmly and clearly.
