Before she enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, please consider the alternatives. While it may seem like a "great deal" now, realize that there are many restrictions with Medicare Advantage plans.
Most notably, many top-ranked hospitals and clinics do NOT accept Medicare Advantage (or most MA plans). Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Centers, and the like. Also Medicare Advantage plans generally require prior authorization for many services, including rehabilitation after a hospital stay from a fall or the like. An older family member who had fallen and spent a week in the hospital was denied rehab by his MA plan, despite it being recommended by his doctor, physical therapist, hospital social worker and assisted living healthcare provider. A local rehab had accepted him subject to MA approval. Because of the denial, he wasn't able to go to rehab, he still needed mobility assistance when released from the hospital, his assisted living therefore would not permit him to return, and he died in a nursing home a few weeks later.
So go into it with eyes wide open. If your spouse or one of your children develops a life-threatening condition, do you want them to get the best medical care possible or instead be governed by the decisions of a Medicare Advantage plan? Quality healthcare, including robust health insurance coverage, is probably the most important area of life where you should get the best you can possibly afford. There are many places you can save on your spending OTHER than the health of you and your family.
Food for thought.
Most notably, many top-ranked hospitals and clinics do NOT accept Medicare Advantage (or most MA plans). Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Centers, and the like. Also Medicare Advantage plans generally require prior authorization for many services, including rehabilitation after a hospital stay from a fall or the like. An older family member who had fallen and spent a week in the hospital was denied rehab by his MA plan, despite it being recommended by his doctor, physical therapist, hospital social worker and assisted living healthcare provider. A local rehab had accepted him subject to MA approval. Because of the denial, he wasn't able to go to rehab, he still needed mobility assistance when released from the hospital, his assisted living therefore would not permit him to return, and he died in a nursing home a few weeks later.
So go into it with eyes wide open. If your spouse or one of your children develops a life-threatening condition, do you want them to get the best medical care possible or instead be governed by the decisions of a Medicare Advantage plan? Quality healthcare, including robust health insurance coverage, is probably the most important area of life where you should get the best you can possibly afford. There are many places you can save on your spending OTHER than the health of you and your family.
Food for thought.
Statistics: Posted by galawdawg — Sat Dec 13, 2025 3:47 am — Replies 13 — Views 643