Medicare Advantage: Case Study

My perspective would focus on simple economics or the individual’s situation at the time of the decision. As the National Council on Aging highlighted in my previous discussion post, there are serious influences that have to be considered prior to enrolling in Medicare Advantage. Every circumstance or situation will be inherently different for every individual, in my case as my previous post mentioned. “if” I elect Tricare for Life then Medicare Advantage would not be a feasible option since MA is “not” compatible.
Advantages listed under the National Council on Aging website:
Lower costs – “look at the MA plan’s “Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expense,” which sets a limit (or “cap”) on the maximum amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket. These caps vary from plan to plan, but range from about $3,000 to $6,700. Once you’ve spent that maximum amount, you’ll pay nothing for covered services for the remainder of the year. Original …show more content…
are all part of the package” (National Council on Aging, 2016).
One system versus several – “An MA plan can feel more cohesive. There’s most likely only one card (your Medicare Advantage card) to keep track of– not three” (National Council on Aging, 2016).
(Potentially) more coordinated care – “HMO MA plans require you to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP). She or he is the gatekeeper for your care” (National Council on Aging, 2016).
Additional benefits (that Original Medicare doesn’t cover) – “MA plans often include prescription drug coverage, plus vision, hearing and dental benefits—all of which are not part of Original Medicare” (National Council on Aging, 2016).
It is sort of like the ACA, while some individuals believe that it is the answer to the health crisis for the nation, stark reality is far from the truth. While it is advantageous for some individuals, on the other side of the spectrum there are those that find it