What Does the Data Say About Satisfaction With Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage Plans have grown enormously popular in recent years, with over 28 million beneficiaries enrolled in 2023. This represents nearly 50% of all Medicare members opting for Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare. But how satisfied are enrollees with private Medicare Plans vs traditional Medicare? Here we’ll examine key data on satisfaction levels to see what research reveals about the Medicare Advantage experience.

Multiple studies show the vast majority of Medicare Advantage enrollees are satisfied with their coverage and care. However, traditional Medicare also receives high marks from beneficiaries. By looking at key metrics and survey findings, we can better understand how satisfaction compares across Medicare options.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Is Up

First, a look at the growth of Medicare Advantage Plans. Enrollment has risen dramatically since the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 which helped spur private plan options.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the share of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans increased from 13% in 2004 to 47% in 2022. This shift away from Original Medicare is expected to continue.

Reasons for this growth include Medicare Advantage Plans offering benefits like:

Prescription drug coverage
Dental, vision and hearing benefits
Health club memberships
Over-the-counter allowances
Maximum out-of-pocket limits

The popularity of these expanded benefits has driven much of the enrollment spike.

Satisfaction Rates Look High for Medicare Advantage

With so many seniors opting for Medicare Advantage, how satisfied are enrollees? Data from Medicare consumer surveys shows positive ratings:

J.D. Power’s 2022 Medicare Advantage Study found an average satisfaction score of 798 out of 1,000 points across plans, indicating high member satisfaction.
88% of Medicare Advantage enrollees rate their plan as either “excellent,” “very good,” or “good” per the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 2018.
61% of Advantage enrollees give their plan the highest rating of “excellent” compared to 55% of traditional Medicare beneficiaries.
4 out of 5 Medicare Advantage enrollees say their plan meets their expectations.
93% of members express satisfaction with prescription drug coverage included in their Medicare Advantage Plan.

These metrics point to widespread satisfaction among Medicare Advantage users. Most feel their plan delivers the affordability, coverage and service they expect.

Traditional Medicare Also Receives High Marks

However, Original Medicare should not be overlooked – beneficiaries also report positive experiences:

83% of traditional Medicare enrollees rate coverage as “excellent,” “very good,” or “good” in the 2018 MCBS.
55% rank their traditional Medicare as “excellent,” similar to the 61% of Medicare Advantage members who rank their coverage highest.
93% of traditional Medicare enrollees are satisfied with their supplementary Medigap Plans purchased to fill gaps in Original Medicare.
High marks are given to traditional Medicare for choice of providers since enrollees can see any Medicare-accepting doctor without network restrictions.

So traditional Medicare also seems to be delivering for most beneficiaries. Enrollees highlight flexibility and free choice of providers as advantages.

Advantage Enrollees Are Happier With Costs

One key divergence in traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage satisfaction is on cost:

76% of Medicare Advantage enrollees in 2018 said their plan is an “excellent” or “good” value for the money.
Just 67% of traditional Medicare beneficiaries rated the value of their coverage as “excellent” or “good.”

Medicare Advantage members likely see better cost value given lower premiums, out-of-pocket caps, and included drug coverage.

However, even among Advantage enrollees, J.D. Power identified cost transparency as an area for improvement. Many members have difficulty determining exact out-of-pocket costs before receiving care.

Key Factors in Satisfaction Levels

Research identifies factors that influence whether Medicare beneficiaries report higher or lower satisfaction:

Health status – People in poorer health tended to report lower satisfaction with either Medicare option.
Medicaid enrollment – Beneficiaries with Medicaid coverage in addition to Medicare reported higher Medicare Advantage satisfaction.
Income – Lower income members viewed their Medicare Advantage Plans as offering better value.
Years enrolled – Longer tenure in a specific plan correlated to higher satisfaction scores.

While most users are happy with Medicare coverage, those with complex needs, lower incomes, and shorter plan histories tended to rate experiences lower.

Advantage Plans Score High on Quality

Measuring quality is also important beyond member satisfaction. Here again, Medicare Advantage Plans perform well:

81% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans earning 4 or more stars (out of 5) for quality from CMS.
On average, Medicare Advantage Plans perform as well as or better than traditional Medicare on clinical quality metrics.
The Medicare Advantage mortality rate within 30 days of hospital admission was found to be lower than the rate for traditional Medicare.

So along with member satisfaction, data indicates Medicare Advantage Plans deliver quality care overall.

Consumer Input Remains Essential

To drive improvements in both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare, ongoing feedback from beneficiaries remains invaluable. Surveys, focus groups, complaint monitoring, and other consumer input allows Medicare to understand evolving needs and priorities.

This dialogue ensures Medicare can continue adapting both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs to provide the affordable, comprehensive and coordinated care older Americans seek from their health coverage.

Key Takeaways From Satisfaction Data

In summary, examination of data on Medicare satisfaction yields these conclusions:

High levels of satisfaction exist among both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare enrollees.
Medicare Advantage’s expanded benefits and predictable costs resonate with many beneficiaries.
Traditional Medicare’s network flexibility is still valued by enrollees.
Those with complex health needs tend to rate Medicare experiences lower.
Continued consumer input is essential to enhance Medicare for future generations.

While no coverage is perfect, data shows both major branches of Medicare are delivering for the majority of the over 60 million members they serve.

Consider Your Own Priorities

If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, consider your personal circumstances as you weigh Medicare Advantage vs traditional Medicare:

Do you have a doctor you want to keep seeing?
How does your health status and projected needs affect choices?
Are benefits like drug coverage and dental appealing or unnecessary?
How do finances factor into premiums and out-of-pocket costs?

With knowledge and planning, you can leverage data insights to select the Medicare option likely to best satisfy your needs.

The Bottom Line

Research demonstrates widespread member satisfaction with both Medicare Advantage Plans and Original Medicare. Look beyond general perceptions to consider how coverage aligns with your healthcare priorities as you examine the data and evaluate choices.

Meta Title: Medicare Advantage Satisfaction – What Data Shows About Enrollee Experiences

Meta Description: Examining data and surveys shows both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare receive high satisfaction marks, but with key differences. Learn what drives perceptions.

FAQs

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare?

Medicare Advantage is a type of health plan offered by private insurance companies that provides all Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. It may also include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage and wellness programs. Traditional Medicare, on the other hand, is a government-run program that provides Part A and Part B benefits through the original fee-for-service program.

How does the quality in Medicare Advantage compare to traditional Medicare?

Studies have shown that the quality of care in Medicare Advantage Plans is comparable to or even better than traditional Medicare. In fact, research has found that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have higher rates of preventive care, chronic disease management, and follow-up care compared to those on traditional Medicare.

What is the share of Medicare Advantage enrollees in the overall Medicare program?

The share of Medicare Advantage enrollees has been steadily increasing over the years. Currently, around 34% of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans.

Are Medicare Advantage beneficiaries more satisfied with their health plans compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries?

Yes, studies have consistently found that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have higher overall customer satisfaction rates compared to those on traditional Medicare. They report greater satisfaction with their choice of doctors, access to care, and the comprehensiveness of their coverage.

What did a study find about Medicare Advantage beneficiaries switching from traditional Medicare?

A study conducted by the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission found that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who switched from traditional Medicare generally had higher incomes, better health, and were less likely to be from racial or ethnic minority groups compared to those who remained on traditional Medicare.

What is the overall satisfaction level of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries?

Overall, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries tend to have high satisfaction levels with their health plans. They often report higher satisfaction rates compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries.

Why do some Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare?

There are several reasons why some Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare. One reason is that Medicare Advantage Plans often provide additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, and wellness programs. These additional benefits can be attractive to beneficiaries who want more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, Medicare Advantage Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to traditional Medicare.

Can Medicare Advantage beneficiaries switch back to traditional Medicare?

Yes, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have the ability to switch back to traditional Medicare during certain enrollment periods. It’s important to be aware of the specific rules and deadlines for switching between the two options.

How does the cost-sharing in Medicare Advantage compare to traditional Medicare?

The cost-sharing in Medicare Advantage Plans can vary depending on the specific plan. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may require beneficiaries to pay copayments or coinsurance for certain services, while others may have set premiums or deductibles. Traditional Medicare also has cost-sharing requirements, including deductibles and coinsurance. It’s important for beneficiaries to carefully compare the cost-sharing requirements of different plans before choosing the one that best meets their needs.

What are the enrollment trends in Medicare Advantage?

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage has been steadily increasing over the years. The program has experienced significant growth, with more and more beneficiaries choosing Medicare Advantage Plans over traditional Medicare.

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