Mississippi Hospital Association urges seniors to scrutinize Medicare Advantage plans
JACKSON, Miss. – As the Dec. 7 open enrollment deadline nears, the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA) has launched an education campaign urging seniors to carefully weigh the differences between Traditional Medicare and private Medicare Advantage plans.
The association is cautioning that while Medicare Advantage plans may feature lower premiums and additional benefits, they can come with significant risks, including limited in-network providers, high out-of-pocket costs, and restrictive prior authorization requirements.
“When considering a plan, it is so important to consider health care needs, financial impact, provider access, and other issues,” said Richard Roberson, MHA president and CEO. “Our hospitals are prioritizing high-quality care, which addresses every patient’s individual needs. We hope these resources will help Mississippi seniors and their loved ones choose a plan that also puts these critical concerns first.”
The MHA advises seniors and their families to look past aggressive advertising and sales tactics. Instead, they should thoroughly research their options by comparing the Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage documents for each plan. It is also recommended that they speak with their doctors and local hospitals about their experiences with various Medicare Advantage plans and the frequency of care denials.
A primary concern is ensuring a patient’s preferred doctors and hospitals are included in a plan’s network, as many providers may not accept Medicare Advantage. The association also warns that switching from Traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan results in the loss of Medigap coverage, which can be difficult to regain later.
Mississippians who encounter issues such as misleading information or denials of care from a Medicare Advantage plan are encouraged to report it to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
For a detailed checklist and more information, visit the MHA’s website at www.mhanet.org/Medicare.
