In the past 4 years, enrollment in the Medicare Advantage program has more than doubled.  This is largely due to the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, which increased funding for Medicare Advantage plans with the goal of making these health insurance options more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries in every region of the United States. 

    More than 8 million people now receive high quality, comprehensive and affordable health insurance through the Medicare Advantage program.  Plan choices include traditional HMO and PPO plans, PFFS (private fee for service) plans, special needs plans (SNPs) and medical savings account (MSA) plans.   It’s not surprising that the popularity of this program has increased as better options have become more widely available -- Medicare officials boast that at least one Medicare Advantage option is now available in every county of every state in the U.S.

    It is also not surprising that such rapid growth has come with its share of problems.   Last week’s newspapers carried stories of the shortcomings found in federal audits of  private insurers who carry Medicare Advantage products.  Abuses included marketing violations and failure of some private insurers to handle customer grievances and appeals in accordance with federal standards.  Medicare has levied fines and demanded corrective action plans from insurance companies in an attempt to remedy these problems.

    Medicare Advantage plans are not right for everyone, but they may be right for you.  What’s more, a quality plan that fits your individual needs could also save you thousands of dollars.  If you are a Medicare-eligible consumer, the first step toward finding the right plan at the best cost is to become an expert on your own medical care needs and expenses.  The next step is to find an impartial, trustworthy broker or agent who is an expert on the options available to you through Medicare Advantage.  Online brokers like Health Plan One have proven to be knowledgeable industry insiders who have helped thousands of people compare and choose the most comprehensive and affordable plan available.  So, don't let the current bad press scare you away from a Medicare Advantage insurance plan.  But, do promise to be a smart shopper!