34 million Americans, over 50% of everyone on Medicare, are now enrolled in an Advantage Plan HMO or PPO. You may already insure yourself with one. Even if you don’t, many, if not most of your friends have them. You see commercials for Advantage Plans on TV all year round. You get solicitation after solicitation in the mail for them. Your home and/or cell phone ring with people trying to convince you to enroll in an Advantage Plan or change your current plan.

But exactly what are Medicare Advantage Plans? How do they work? How do they differ from Supplements (Medigap)?  What is the history of Medicare Advantage? And are they the best choice? 

Over the next four weeks, I’m going to answer all those questions in my new series; The History and Facts of Medicare Advantage. 

Here is the outline of questions that will be answered: 

Part 1: What exactly are Advantage Plans? How do they work and differ from Supplements? When were they first introduced and what was the original goal of the program? 

Part 2: Why are Advantage Plans such a vital part of Medicare? Why have they become so popular? Who benefits from them and is best to choose one instead of a Supplement? 

Part 3: What are the controversies surrounding Advantage Plans? What are the risks for consumers?

Part 4: How have Advantage Plans changed over the years? What does the future look like and how will that affect those currently on HMOs and PPOs and what choices they make today and in the next Enrollment Periods. 

This series should be read in chronological order, and it may be necessary to refer back to previous columns to fully understand and follow. All can be found on The Health Insurance Store website, www.GetYourBestPlan.com as well as our Facebook group page, Ask the Medicare Specialist.  

If you have any questions regarding this new series or any other Medicare topic, or would like to make an appointment for a no cost consultation, give us a call at 724-603-3403 or email me personally, Aaron@GetYourBestPlan.com. Also, feel free to visit us at the office here in Connellsville: 121 N. Pittsburgh Street, next to Fox’s Pizza. Walk ins are welcome!