We’ve heard Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement (Med Supp) called the Cadillac of coverage, but recent trends show that more people are choosing to drive Medicare Advantage (MA).
Although the combination of Original Medicare, Med Supp, and Part D drug plan can be a better fit for some, MA plans are proving to be an increasingly attractive option for your clients.
The Upward March
Since the early 2000s, MA plans have grown steadily in popularity, now accounting for 54 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MA as of 2025, according to KFF. 2026 is only expected to see a slight increase in numbers so far, with an expected extra million new MA enrollees.
Not only do these numbers show MA plans’ increasing popularity, but the growing number of available plans signals the rising supply to meet the demand. For 2026, there are currently 3,373 MA plans, including those that don’t offer prescription drug coverage, to choose from.
Currently, the average Medicare beneficiary has 39 MA plans — 32 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans — available to them. While options have slightly decreased from 2025 to 2026, MA plans still offer a wider variety than the regular Medicare options.
The Advantages of Medicare Advantage
Even though there are slightly fewer options available, beneficiaries are still rating MA plans rather highly on Star ratings, according to CMS.
Bundled Coverage
Although not all MA plans offer prescription drug coverage, most of them do. Bundling drug, hospital, doctor visit coverage into one plan appeals to beneficiaries as well.
On top of that, almost all of MA plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Instead of four cards, you can just have one. Instead of multiple accounts to keep track of, you can just have one. Such simplicity is attractive.
Instead of four cards, you can just have one. Instead of multiple accounts to keep track of, you can just have one.
Extra Benefits
Because private companies build MA plans, they have more flexibility in what extra perks and benefits they can offer, compared to the traditional Medicare program run by the government. Some companies are also getting creative with how they promote preventative care.
MAPD members may enjoy:
- No- or low-cost gym memberships
- Free health classes and fitness plans, transportation services
- Over-the-counter benefits
- Nutrition apps
- Home-delivered meals
- And much more
Sell 5-star MA plans for the most complete menu of extras.
Lower Premiums
It’s hard to argue with a $0 premium, which 67 percent of MAPD beneficiaries enjoyed in 2026, according to KFF. Of those plans with a premium, 17 percent of enrollees paid less than $50 per month, while 15 percent paid $50 or more.
Lower monthly premium costs are a big reason why people choose MA plans.
Lower monthly premium costs are a big reason why people choose MA plans. But it’s important your clients are aware that lower premiums may lead to higher costs elsewhere, such as potentially higher copays and out-of-pockets expenses.
The Trade Offs
No insurance plan is perfect, including MA plans. Some drawbacks that may give clients pause include:
Fewer Predictable Costs
Unpredictable and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs are MA shortcomings. Enrollees can expect copays, coinsurance, and deductible expenses until they reach a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) set by the carrier.
For 2026, the MA MOOP is $9,250, but plans may have lower limits. After reaching the MOOP, beneficiaries will not owe cost-sharing for Part A or Part B covered services for the remainder of the year. Some plans may also apply the MOOP to supplemental benefits, such as vision, hearing, or dental.
An MA plan may not provide the same financial security as Original Medicare with a Med Supp if something catastrophic happens or if your client goes to the doctor often. However, clients with money saved up for retirement healthcare expenses may not be concerned about their out-of-pocket expenses as much.
However, clients with money saved up for retirement healthcare expenses may not be concerned about their out-of-pocket expenses as much.
Restricted Network
Another reason clients may not want an MA plan is that they often have provider networks. With Original Medicare and a Med Supp, beneficiaries can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. Some Med Supp plans even help pay for healthcare costs abroad.
MA carriers treat their plans more like traditional employer-provided health insurance, partnering with a specific network of:
- Doctors
- Specialists
- Hospitals
- Other healthcare facilities where their members can save on services
Like employer and under-65 health plans, there are HMO and PPO MA plans, with the HMOs having the more restrictive network.
Certain plans even require referrals for specialists. All this means your clients may not get to see their doctor of choice, depending on their MA options and if those plans work with their providers.
Switching Back Can Be Difficult
If you have a client who’d like to switch back to Original Medicare and pick up a Med Supp, they may have a harder time enrolling in a Med Supp if they have certain health conditions and do not qualify for a guaranteed issue right.
They’ll also have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period, or until they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, to return to Original Medicare if they’ve already used their MA trial right or if it has expired.
Expand Your Portfolio
Balancing the advantages and drawbacks of MA plans will help you determine whether they are the best fit for your clients, but the climbing numbers show that more Medicare-eligible adults want MA plans.
As a result, we recommend enhancing your portfolio to offer more than one MA option. Bulking up your portfolio with more MA plans means more possibilities for you, too:
We don’t want you to miss out on potential sales because you have no, or limited, appointments with MA carriers! Here at Ritter, it’s our job to help agents be competitive.
To prepare for this upcoming AEP, register with Ritter for free, contact our Sales team for information on available plans in your area and a free portfolio review, and check out your contracting opportunities on the Ritter Platform.
Newly registered with Ritter and ready to unlock fully online contracting through Contract Now? Have a conversation with our Sales team.
You can also educate yourself with The Complete Guide on How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans. Request your free copy!
MA carriers tend to expand yearly, so refreshing your portfolio every summer will ensure you’re competitive with new MA plans in your area come AEP. Remember, the average Medicare beneficiary has access to 39 MA plans in 2026. How many does your portfolio feature?
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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