Don't assume that all will go smoothly.At this point, there are only a couple more weeks left in Medicare's fall open enrollment period. So if you're looking to make changes to your coverage, now's the time to get moving.One thing you may be considering is moving off of original Medicare, dumping your Part D drug plan, and signing up for an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan. And there are certain perks you might enjoy if you sign up for Medicare Advantage. Not only do Medicare Advantage plans limit your an ...

Core Insights - Healthcare costs are a significant factor in retirement budgeting, making it essential to select the appropriate Medicare coverage [1] - Medicare Advantage plans often provide additional benefits and cost caps compared to original Medicare, which is crucial for retirees on fixed incomes [2] Group 1: Medicare Advantage Plans - Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental benefits that original Medicare does not cover [2] - These plans typically have an out-of-pocket maximum, which can help manage healthcare expenses for retirees [2] - It is important for retirees to review their Medicare Advantage plan options annually to avoid unnecessary costs and aggravation [3] Group 2: Open Enrollment Period - The Medicare fall open enrollment period is currently active, allowing changes to Medicare coverage until December 7 [4] - Retirees should consider switching to a new Medicare Advantage plan if their current plan's costs are increasing without additional benefits [6] - Changes in plan benefits for the worse or shifts in healthcare needs are valid reasons to explore new Medicare Advantage options during this enrollment period [8][9]

When people use Medicare’s Plan Compare tool, they’ll see options from insurers like Humana ( HUM ), UnitedHealthcare ( UNH ), and Blue Cross ( ELV ). So how should they decide between an HMO (health maintenance organization) or PPO (preferred provider organization) plan — and whether to include prescription drug coverage?“It’s an annual requirement,” Oh said. “So, it’s important to understand that with Medicare Advantage, it’s the insurance company — not Medicare itself — that decides what benefits your pl ...

Core Insights - Medicare Advantage enrollment is projected to decline to 34 million subscribers in 2026, down from 34.9 million in 2025, resulting in a market share drop from 50% to approximately 48% [1][2] - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expects enrollment to be more stable than projected, contrasting with the historical growth trend where Medicare Advantage captured 25% of the market in 2010 and has gained share annually since then [2][3] - The upcoming open-enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 may influence beneficiaries to reassess their health and drug coverage due to rising healthcare costs and recent political events affecting healthcare affordability [4] Industry Trends - Medicare Advantage plans have historically expanded benefits, but current focus has shifted towards profitability rather than growth, potentially leading to less generous benefits and a shift back to original Medicare among seniors [6] - The political climate, including the recent federal government shutdown, may impact beneficiaries' decisions regarding their healthcare plans, as they seek to manage costs amid uncertainty [4][5]