I had Aetna for about a year and I really didn’t like it. I switched back to regular Medicare. It wasn’t easy, they don’t encourage it. But I’m very happy with it. They can’t just change things up on you. It takes an act of Congress, so at least it used to. I really don’t need to go through all that paperwork every year and “choices“

Paid for major and minor surgeries including three weeks post surgery rehabilitation.

Thom Hartmann does a spiel on Advantage programs and difficult to switch to traditional Medicare if you sign up for Advantage.

Many doctors won't take Advantage

Advantage is PRIVATIZED Medicare

Denials are more than common with Advantage

Some do say it works for them but one day they will be denied necessary care

Medicare Advantage is designed to give an advantage to people who support republicans. They got some slick, sympathetic, effective commercials. It is not designed to keep us well in our olden years. But let’s spend time and effort demonizing socialism while hawking snake oil.

I tried to change back the day after I had a "visit" by someone who was suppose to talk to me about the differences between Medicare and MA, and among the different MA plans. Talk about slick? Got my signature on something I didn't even know I was signing... and I just don't fall for that. I mean, this guy was so slick, I reported him. I was signed up on MA without my knowledge and without my consent, since I'd said several times that I was NOT interested in signing up that day. I needed time to think and compare. No... I do not want to sign up for anything today. And STILL he found a sneaky way to get my signature!

When I went to pick up scripts the next day, THAT'S when I discovered what he'd done. Getting back home, I immediately called Medicare to tell them what had happened and that it was NOT what I wanted and I wanted to change back.

Sure... I could change back, it would just cost me a bunch more money to do it. And THEN I'd have to find a supplemental (that would take me... they don't have if you've been on MA at any time) that I could afford. They penalize you dearly if you're a former MA, even a one-day-old like me at the time.

The "extras" are carrots they dangle. They don't include enough to actually make it functional if you need it, but they're there for common ailments. New glasses script is okay... just bring your own frames, for example.

And I'm thinking I STILL could use a supplement program to pay for what the MA now *won't* pay for! Co-pays and deductibles are higher then ever, thanks to the R's and what they're doing to the ACA. Companies see a way to profit more without bearing the stigma, so they jack things up.

We don't have healthcare in this country. We have insurance-care, to ensure the insurance companies keep raising their shareholder profits.

and pick the best plan for you.
They give great advise and do not make any money off of you.
You can check at your local Senior Center.

When I was about to turn 65, I got countless postcards inviting me to a "free meal" at a pricey restaurant where they would discuss Medicare Advantage plans.

I told my family, "They wouldn't go through the expense of paying for a free meal if they didn't think they'd recoup that money."

Insurance companies who offer Medicare Advantage plans get paid by the government for each person they enroll. They work hard to deliver fewer services than they get paid for. MA plans are the most profitable part of the medical insurance industry thanks to taxpayers. Folks who are happy with their MA plans are just lucky. Horror stories are everywhere.

She very strongly suggested we stay away from Advantage plans. From her point of view, they are constantly second-guessing medical professionals and trying to deny care or shorten rehab stays, etc. We have traditional with an AARP supplement and are very happy with it.

They will set her straight!

You did good by your friend. Too bad they didn't have the cognitive capacity to comprehend your advice and act on it.

and have been very happy with it. But after watching John Oliver eviscerate Advantage plans, we switched last week to traditional MC. As a poster above points out, your friend can always switch back next year if it doesn't work out for her, which is what we will do, too. The premium is lower, and the only difference I can see is that traditional MC pays less per day for hospital stays. I was in the hospital this last year for several short stays, so I'm not sure this is going to work for us, but we'll see.

Free drugs and only a few dollars on most office visits plus dental.