A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan is a type of health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Medicare Parts A and B benefits. MA plans include health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, private fee-for-service plans, and Special Needs Plans.

Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the above (Part A and Part B), and most plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D).

One of the biggest differences between Part C plans and Original Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) is that Medicare Advantage often has limited networks of doctors and hospitals and charges you more to see out-of-network providers - if you're allowed to see them at all.

With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn't cover, like fitness programs (gym memberships or discounts) and some vision, hearing, and dental services (like routine check ups or cleanings).

Lower out of pocket costs Under Medicare Advantage, each plan negotiates its own rates with providers. You may pay lower deductibles and copayments/coinsurance than you would pay with Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans have deductibles as low as $0.

Together, UnitedHealthcare and Humana account for nearly half (47%) of all Medicare Advantage enrollees nationwide. In nearly a third of counties (32%; or 1,013 counties), these two firms account for at least 75% of Medicare Advantage enrollment.

Medicare Supplement Plan G is the best overall plan that provides great coverage for seniors and Medicare enrollees. Plan G will cover almost everything except the Medicare Part B deductible, which is only $226 for 2023.

Plan F has the most enrollees overall. But Plan G has the second most enrollees. While these plans are the most popular, it's essential to consider your healthcare needs and not enroll in something just because everyone else has that policy.

Norway, the Netherlands, and Australia were the countries with the best healthcare. The United States ranked at 11, placing it at the bottom of this list. The Commonwealth Fund regularly ranks the best healthcare in the world. The United States has come in last in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021.

Together, UnitedHealthcare and Humana account for nearly half (47%) of all Medicare Advantage enrollees nationwide. In nearly a third of counties (32%; or 1,013 counties), these two firms account for at least 75% of Medicare Advantage enrollment.

AARP/UnitedHealthcare AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the most popular Medicare Advantage provider with 28% of all enrollment. Plans are well-rated and have affordable premiums and add-on benefits, a valuable combination that could account for AARP/UHC having the largest number of Medicare Advantage enrollees.