3 Things Celebrities Don’t Tell You About Medicare Advantage

There are few things more annoying than a commercial interrupting your favorite television program. One commercial you’re sure to see a lot of is Medicare advertisements starring celebrities who are giving you information on “can’t-miss” Medicare Advantage Plans.

What do these celebrities really know about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, or what’s right for you? 

The fact of the matter is:

• TV ads with famous spokespeople can grab our attention, but most celebrities aren’t experts in Medicare.
• They paint a picture of the perfect plan that’s ready for you to enroll, but private entities pay those same celebrities to advertise for them. 
• Choosing the right Medicare plan requires understanding your unique healthcare needs as well as the specific details of each plan option available to you.  

Here are some of the essential details that celebrities often don’t provide on those commercials:

Medicare Advantage Plans are Not One-Size-Fits-All

First, celebrities love to tell you about all of the things you could get, at no charge, from a Medicare Advantage Plan. However, you might not be aware that some of these things are only available on specific plans for specific populations. 

Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage Plans. That means that they can require prior authorization before you can use certain services. These services can include physical therapy, surgery, home healthcare, etc. 

Moreover, your current and future health will impact what Medicare Advantage plan benefits are right for you.

Your Medical Provider Might Not Accept the Celebrity-Endorsed Plan

Unfortunately, the plans that these celebrities flaunt may not include your current doctors in-network. 

It’s important to check with your provider to ensure that you can utilize their services under your new plan. 

Putting the legwork in on the front end of the process will save you the undue stress of finding out that your provider is not covered after you’ve already committed to the plan. 

It’s Wise to Get Help Navigating Medicare from a Licensed Insurance Consultant

Finally, it’s essential to understand your Medicare options to make the best possible decision for your health needs. And while they’ll be there for your commercial breaks, the celebrity spokespeople won’t be there to answer the questions you have. 

If you find yourself a little lost in the process, you’re not on your own. Did you know that, according to a study by the Nationwide Retirement Institute, 72% of people over age 50 wish they understood Medicare better?

To avoid being overwhelmed and at risk of making costly mistakes, take the time to research some of the ins-and-outs of Medicare Advantage Plans. A good place to start is to schedule an appointment with a Licensed Insurance Consultant who will take the time to help you understand your options.