Medicare Open Enrollment Insights
The Californer/10254970

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Californer -- Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15.

• In 2023, 30.8 million people are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, accounting for more than half, or 51 percent, of the eligible Medicare population, and $454 billion (or 54%) of total federal Medicare spending (net of premiums).
• The average Medicare beneficiary in 2023 has access to 43 Medicare Advantage plans, the largest number of options ever.
• Medicare Advantage enrollment as a share of the eligible Medicare population has jumped from 19% in 2007 to 51% in 2023.
• Between 2022 and 2023, total Medicare Advantage enrollment grew by about 2.3 million beneficiaries, or 8 percent – a similar growth rate to the prior year (8%).
• One in five (about 5.4 million) Medicare Advantage enrollees are in a group plan offered to retirees by an employer or union.
• During 2023, the out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage could not exceed $8,300 for in-network services and $12,450 for in-network and out-of-network services combined. In 2024, these limits will increase to $9,450 and $18,900.
• There is no limit on out-of-pocket expenses with Original Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage Plans have coverage for fitness programs, vision, hearing, and dental services.  
• Plan Types:
• HMO insurance covers treatments from doctors and facilities who contract with the insurance plan but generally doesn't cover out-of-network care.
• HMO-POS insurance covers visits to both in-network and out-of-network healthcare providers, although you will have to pay more out of pocket when you go to an out-of-network provider.
• MSA insurance combines a high-deductible health plan and a savings account with money from Medicare that you can use to pay for covered medical expenses before you hit your deductible.
• PPO insurance covers treatments from both in-network and out-of-network healthcare providers and doesn't require you to select a primary care physician or get a referral to see a specialist.
• PFFS insurance allows you to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers, although out-of-network providers can decline to treat you if they don't agree to the terms of your PFFS plan.

Michael Orefice, SVP of Operations at SmartFinancial (https://smartfinancial.com/) says:

More on The Californer

• NBA Champion Lamar Odom Launches Anti-Addiction Meme Coin, Ushering in a Disruptive Innovation in Web3
• Emmetra Partners with Renesas to Advance Agentic AI-Powered Imaging Solutions
• Gravity to Bring 5-Minute EV Charging to 8 Sites Across Greater LA
• California: Governor Newsom issues statement on Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope
• New poll shows high rates of employee burnout amid concerns over politics and personal finances

"Most seniors are on a fixed income, so it's important for them to find savings wherever they can. Sometimes, that means choosing a Medicare option that saves them out-of-pocket costs. It's also important not to get fooled by a zero-dollar premium; some Medicare Advantage plans have high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. However, a good plan can save a senior some money and even cover dental, hearing, vision and fitness-related expenses. It's important to compare plans carefully before deciding which is the best one."