Social Security & Medicare

Lonestarblue

(13,254 posts)

28. Last year a friend who had Medicare Advantage was informed that her insurer was no longer doing business in her area.

Reply to Joinfortmill (Original post)

Wed Oct 29, 2025, 10:15 AM

Oct 29

She lives in a small community and options to switch to different providers still covered by her insurer were nonexistent. MA can cancel your insurance at will. Original Medicare cannot.

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Joinfortmill

41 replies

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Highlight:

Switching from Advantage Plan (which left my area, creating a qualifying event) to Original Medicare. Here's Why [View all] Joinfortmill Oct 29 OP

I switched from an advantage to regular Medicare about 10 years ago Walleye Oct 29 #1

Thom Hartmann predicted a year ago gab13by13 Oct 29 #7

But still, 53% of beneficaries choose Medicare Advantage because they believe it is more affordable for them. Silent Type Oct 29 #10

"... they believe it is more affordable." Grins Oct 29 #32

Like I said, you get a choice. If Medicare is better for you, take it. If MA is better, take it. But don't try to take Silent Type Oct 29 #34

I would be doing tradtional Medicare + a plan to cover my meds, but I chose Medicare Advantage for dental and vision iluvtennis Oct 29 #33

Exactly, it's a choice. MA is definitely better for some people, others not. Silent Type Oct 29 #35

My daughter is an RN case manager for home care Freddie Oct 29 #27

Not exactly true. Traditional Medicare has very detailed coverage rules that prevent some questionable claims. Silent Type Oct 29 #39

Will do. Joinfortmill Oct 29 #11

Good for you. Luckily, I learned about Medicare Supplement and ignored the "advantage" propaganda. we can do it Oct 29 #2

Are there restrictions on switching from Adv. to Medicare? nt Ilsa Oct 29 #3

Yes IbogaProject Oct 29 #5

Thank you very much. nt Ilsa Oct 29 #20

The issue is getting a Medigap supplement Abnredleg Oct 29 #6

Thank you very much. nt Ilsa Oct 29 #18

Yes, some, unless there is a s qualifying event. Joinfortmill Oct 29 #13

Thank you very much. nt Ilsa Oct 29 #16

Original Medicare? Sanity Claws Oct 29 #4

Advantage Plans include Parts A and B Abnredleg Oct 29 #8

Plain Medicare certainly covers doctors visits. gab13by13 Oct 29 #9

Medicare covers part A & B. Joinfortmill Oct 29 #14

Medicare Part A (hospital, etc.) deRien Oct 29 #24

Original Medicare is both Part A and Part B Bob_in_VA Oct 29 #31

OP--there's a lot of misinformation in this thread. marybourg Oct 29 #12

Everyrhing I posted is absolutely true to my experience Joinfortmill Oct 29 #15

I wasn't referring to your information. marybourg Oct 29 #21

SHIP? Sanity Claws Oct 29 #17

This: marybourg Oct 29 #22

Thanks Sanity Claws Oct 29 #26

I've been to three different SHIP advisors and they all were Advantage cheerleaders. Not so much for Trad Medicare. mitch96 Wednesday #41

Be aware, Supplemental Plans will only cover you once without a full medical history. lark Oct 29 #19

It's complicated, for sure. Joinfortmill Oct 29 #23

My plan was not being offered in 2026 so I was able to switch EverHopeful Oct 29 #25

Last year a friend who had Medicare Advantage was informed that her insurer was no longer doing business in her area. Lonestarblue Oct 29 #28

Summation: the Advantage Plan that sounds so good today can bite you in the ass tomorrow Auggie Oct 29 #29

Good advice. Joinfortmill Oct 29 #30

problem is Skittles Jan 11 #40

If you can afford it, always get real Medicare. If you MUST get Advantage due to financial reasons, make sure you Fil1957 Oct 29 #36

Your health history might prevent you getting a Medigap plan** NGeorgian Oct 29 #37

Medicare Supplemental plans can be very expensive. Sogo Oct 29 #38