What Percent of Medicare Beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage Plans offered by private insurers have become an increasingly popular alternative to Original Medicare. In 2023, over 30 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans, representing a significant portion of the Medicare population. But what is the exact percentage of Medicare enrollees who now choose Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare?

Analyzing Medicare Advantage enrollment data provides helpful insights into how widely used these private plan options are and their growing appeal compared to Original Medicare. Tracking enrollment percentages over time also illustrates the steady growth in Medicare Advantage Plan adoption among beneficiaries.

Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment in 2023

According to federal data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as of January 2023:

• There were around 63 million Americans covered under Medicare program
• Of that total, 30.4 million were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans
• This represents 48% of the total Medicare population

So in 2023, nearly half of all Medicare beneficiaries (48%) now opt for Medicare Advantage Plan coverage over Original Medicare.

This percentage reflects significant growth from just one year prior. In 2021, 42% of Medicare enrollees were in Medicare Advantage Plans. The percentage climbed to 45% in 2022 before reaching 48% so far in 2023.

Enrollment Growth Trends

Medicare Advantage Plan enrollment has grown steadily for many years. Looking back a full decade:

• In 2013, only 16.9 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans.
• This equaled 28% of the total Medicare population at that time.
• By 2023, enrollment had risen to 30.4 million Advantage enrollees.
• Representing 48% of the current Medicare population.

In summary:

• 2013: 16.9 million enrollees, 28% of Medicare beneficiaries
• 2023: 30.4 million enrollees, 48% of Medicare beneficiaries

So over the past decade, Medicare Advantage enrollment increased by nearly 80% as a share of beneficiaries. This dramatic growth reflects the appeal of Medicare Advantage Plans for many seniors.

Why is Enrollment Increasing?

Several important factors explain the impressive growth in Medicare Advantage Plan enrollment in recent years:

• Increased choice – More Medicare Advantage Plans are offered now, providing greater options.
• Lower costs – Many plans have $0 premiums beyond parts A and B and capped out-of-pocket spending.
• Enhanced additional benefits – Most plans include dental, vision, hearing and other extra benefits.
• Integrated care – Medicare Advantage Plans coordinate healthcare and offer nurse support.
• Innovative models – New types of specialized Medicare Advantage Plans meet diverse needs.
• Greater quality – Program oversight ensures consistently good plan performance.

Eligible Medicare enrollees are responding to the wider range of affordable plan choices, bundled benefits and improved healthcare coordination promised by Medicare Advantage providers.

Current Enrollment by Plan Type

While private Medicare Advantage enrollment now exceeds Original Medicare, examining percentages by plan type shows:

• 34% are in Medicare Advantage Plans
• 34% are in Original Medicare only
• 32% are in Original Medicare and purchased a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

So traditional Medicare still covers two-thirds of beneficiaries enrolled. But Medicare Advantage represents the single largest plan segment, at 34% of the total Medicare population.

Projected Future Growth

Looking ahead, Medicare Advantage enrollment is expected to continue growing as a percentage of the overall Medicare population.

Projections forecast that by 2028:

• 51% to 59% of Medicare enrollees will be in Medicare Advantage Plans

This would equal over 40 million seniors choosing Medicare Advantage for their health coverage in the coming years.

As the population ages, Medicare Advantage Plans will likely play an increasingly vital role in providing healthcare access for retirees. Meeting this demand requires a sound understanding of enrollment preferences and demographics.

Why Enrollment Percentages Matter

Tracking Medicare Advantage Plan enrollment percentages provides useful insights such as:

• Growth opportunities for health insurers
• Information for setting accurate payment rates
• Planning for changing program oversight needs
• Identifying gaps in plan choice or coverage
• Crafting marketing and educational campaigns
• Forecasting future demands on providers
• Predicting cost pressures and utilization

Analyzing the percentage of Medicare Advantage adoption compared to Original Medicare assists policymakers, health plans, providers and advocates in building a more responsive system.

The Outlook for Medicare Advantage

Current trends clearly show Medicare Advantage Plans gaining market share compared to traditional Medicare:

• Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries now choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare
• Enrollment has increased 80% over the past decade
• Projections anticipate this growth to continue in the years ahead

As more baby boomers age into Medicare, up to 60% could be enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans in the next 5 years. This tide of rising enrollment will shape the future landscape of Medicare options for seniors.

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FAQs

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare where eligible Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in private health plans rather than Original Medicare to receive their Part A and Part B benefits and often additional benefits.

How do I enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must be eligible for both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15th to December 7th each year or within 3 months of first becoming eligible for Medicare.

What extra benefits do Medicare Advantage Plans offer?

Medicare Advantage Plans often offer extra supplemental benefits that traditional Medicare does not cover such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage. They may also include reduced cost sharing such as lower copays and deductibles compared to traditional Medicare without supplemental coverage.

How many people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans currently?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, over 27 million or 50% of all Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans as of March 2023. This represents a growth of over 10 million or 28% from 2018.

Is there a monthly premium for Medicare Advantage Plans?

Like traditional Medicare, most Medicare Advantage Plans do not have a monthly premium and are covered by the Part B premium paid by enrolled beneficiaries. However, some Medicare Advantage Plans may charge additional premiums above the Part B premium amount depending on the plan.

What is the difference between a Medicare Advantage Plan and traditional Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans are alternatives to traditional Medicare that are run by private insurers under contract with Medicare. They provide all Part A and Part B benefits and often additional benefits. Traditional Medicare allows beneficiaries to choose their own doctors and hospitals but has gaps in coverage that supplemental plans address.

Can I keep my primary care doctor if I switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan?

It depends on whether your primary care doctor participates in the Medicare Advantage network. Be sure to check with the plan and your doctor before enrolling to confirm they are in-network so you can continue seeing them under the plan. Some doctors may not accept certain Medicare Advantage Plans.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans cover prescription drugs?

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan benefits. This is an advantage over traditional Medicare which requires separate enrollment in a Prescription Drug Plan or Supplemental plan for drug coverage. Check each plan for details on drug formularies and costs.

What is the enrollment period for Medicare Advantage?

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. During this period, beneficiaries can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan. Outside of this window, beneficiaries generally can only enroll or switch plans during the Open Enrollment Period from January 1st to March 31st.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage Plan if I don’t like it?

Medicare beneficiaries have the ability to disenroll from their Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare during certain election periods. You can drop a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period each year from October 15th to December 7th with coverage effective January 1st.

What is the total number of Medicare beneficiaries currently?

As of March 2023, the total Medicare population that includes over 63 million people with over 5.7 million beneficiaries enrolled in both Medicare Advantage and a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan. This represents a significant percentage of the total eligible Medicare population in America.

What percentage of the overall Medicare population is enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans?

According to CMS data, as of March 2023 over 27 million or approximately 50% of the total Medicare population were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans, surpassing 50% for the first time. This represents continued strong growth in enrollment.

What county data is available for the number of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans?

The Medicare Enrollment Dashboard provides county-level and state-level data on the total number of Medicare beneficiaries and the number and percentage of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans by jurisdiction. This data is updated regularly and can assist with analyzing MA enrollment trends and outliers across regions.

Can I enroll in both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a stand-alone prescription drug plan?

No, if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan includes both Medicare Part A, Part B and usually Part D prescription drug coverage. You cannot be enrolled in both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan, as the MA plan will provide your drug coverage.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans cover hospice care for terminal illnesses?

Yes, hospice care services are covered under both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans without any additional premiums or cost sharing for beneficiaries when hospice services are required for a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less.