Differences of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare open enrollment began on October 15th and runs through December 7th, and for many Arizona seniors, the choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans can be confusing.

While “Advantage” sounds like a benefit, the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) is sounding the alarm: Medicare Advantage is often no advantage at all. AzHHA has heard from hospitals in Arizona and across the country that these private insurance plans often deny or delay medically necessary care, restrict access to doctors and hospitals, and hit patients with hidden costs. If you agree to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, you actually lose your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

In rural Arizona, the risks are even greater, as limited provider networks can force patients to travel long distances or forgo treatment altogether. This issue affects tens of thousands of Arizona seniors making critical choices during Open Enrollment.

Ann-Marie Alameddin, President & CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association joined “Arizona Horizon” to explain the differences between the two.

For more information, visit AZShip.org. It’s a free resource people can use to decipher Medicare and Medicare Advantage.