The big decision: Should I stay with original Medicare or choose a Medicare Advantage plan? Here's why one expert says 1 of those options is the clear worse choice for seniors

"I would never choose a Medicare advantage plan," he says in a YouTube video entitled "Why Medicare Advantage Is The Worst Choice For Seniors."

Here’s why he’s not a fan of these plans.

What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage plans are alternative insurance plans to Medicare, and they're offered by Medicare-approved private companies. These plans are sometimes called “Part C” or “MA," and they include Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

Those interested in MA have more than 40 different plans to choose from. The main reasons to explore them include:

• The potential for lower premiums compared to Medicare. In 2022, the average premium was $58, according to 2022 data from the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.
• Out-of-pocket costs may be capped. In 2023, the maximum was $8,300 for approved services.
• Most plans include dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits.

That being said, there are a few downsides to Medicare Advantage plans. Here are some important things to consider before locking into an MA plan.

Limited choice

If you opt for an MA plan, your choice of doctors can be limited and you're likely to face obstacles in getting approved for procedures or seeing specialists.

"The primary reason I would absolutely choose original Medicare and would never choose Medicare Advantage is because I want control over what I do," says Armbrecht. With an MA plan, he warns, you can face wait times of "weeks, even months," to get referrals or have procedures authorized.

You're typically limited to doctors in the plan network and service area, as well, according to the government’s Medicare website.

Deceptive marketing

The Medicare Advantage plan industry has a history of deceptive practices.