Medicare is a form of health insurance for people aged 65 and older as well as people under 65 living with end-stage renal disease or other specific disabilities. “Original Medicare” or “traditional Medicare” are names sometimes used for the program offered by the federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services.

A report released Thursday showing how health plan agents receive hefty financial incentives to steer beneficiaries into Medicare Advantage (MA) plans -- rather than traditional Medicare and Medigap -- prompted several members of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to call for dramatic changes in the enrollment system.

Wall Street expected President Donald Trump to go easier on Medicare Advantage insurers than his predecessor. That's not happening in several key lawsuits.

Medicare Advantage enrollees have until March 31 to change MA plans, Part D prescription plans or switch to Original Medicare.

State Medicaid agencies can improve D-SNP financial transparency and reward those D-SNPs that provide the best value to states, the federal government, and taxpayers through strategic use of D-SNP medical loss ratio reporting.

As the Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period draws to a close on March 31, 2025, beneficiaries have a crucial opportunity to reassess their health care coverage. In a recent interview, Jae Oh, author of "Maximize Your Medicare," shared valuable insights on navigating this decision.

UnitedHealthcare gained the most Medicare Advantage members during annual enrollment while Humana lost the most policyholders.

Enrollment in private Medicare Advantage plans grew just 3.1%, below projections from Wall Street or the government.

In fact, it’s required if models do not generate savings or improve outcomes with cost neutrality for Medicare within a specified time. Launched in 2017, the MA VBID model sought to enhance healthcare access for chronically ill and underserved populations by reducing cost-sharing and offering supplemental benefits.

Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-For-Service Plan (PFFS), and Special Needs Plan (SNP). There are different characteristics of each that pertain to coverage, network restrictions, out of pocket expenses, and cost flexibility.

UnitedHealth Group notched a major court win in a legal challenge over its Medicare Advantage (MA) billing practices that is stretching into its second decade. | UnitedHealth Group notched a major court win in a legal challenge over its Medicare Advantage billing practices that is stretching into its second decade.

Viva offer Medicare Advantage plans to residents of Alabama. People can choose from a range of HMO options, which match the coverage of original Medicare and have additional benefits.