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An AARP Research study of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries 66 and older shows high satisfaction rates among those who identify themselves as being in very good or excellent health — although

those who self-identify as being in poor or fair health express less satisfaction with their plan. Feelings about coverage and care are closely related to health status. Respondents in poor

or fair health express frustration with wait times, prior authorizations and referrals. Of this group, 21 percent identify challenges with cohesive disease management, specifically citing

the need to find a new specialist when a current provider goes out of network. In contrast, only 13 percent of those in good or excellent health encounter this specific obstacle. While 25

percent of respondents were not considering switching plans during open enrollment season, nearly 40 percent would consider switching to a new Medicare Advantage plan in the future. A

substantial number are also open to switching to original Medicare, with 46 percent of all respondents — in all health status categories — responding that they would welcome having the

option. However, the process of how to make that switch is unfamiliar to most. GENERAL IMPRESSIONS RELATED TO HEALTH Overall, Medicare Advantage received positive ratings, with 90 percent of

those surveyed reporting a favorable impression, and 91 percent saying their current health plan meets their needs. Nearly three-quarters say the quality of care from in-network providers

is excellent or very good, and two-thirds say they can see the doctors or providers of their choice. However, about half find challenges with additional benefits, the ease of finding a plan,

overall cost, and ease of understanding plan coverage. And while three in four (73 percent) express satisfaction with their current plan, those in poor or fair health are less satisfied (63

percent) than those who subjectively say that their health is very good or excellent (81 percent). With respect to current health management, most respondents feel that their plan helps

them meet their goals. When specifically asked about preventative care, maintaining and meeting health goals, coordination of care and chronic health conditions, more than 70 percent of

respondents felt their plan supported them. Meanwhile, future health is a concern for many, especially those with fair or poor health status. Nearly half of these respondents feel their plan

may not meet all their needs and would want to sign up for original Medicare or a different Medicare Advantage plan. EASE OF USE Three-quarters of beneficiaries surveyed felt it was easy to

review coverage to meet their needs, review in-network providers and evaluate the best plan for them, and 68 percent say it was easy to compare plans. Conversely, 25 percent of respondents

were confused about plan coverage and experienced surprise bills post-enrollment. Those in poor or fair health were more likely to experience confusion or lack of ease of use than those with

very good or excellent health. Further, 63 percent of this cohort have needed referrals and 58 percent have required prior authorizations, with 17 percent of those prior authorizations

ending in denial of coverage. When their plan did not meet their needs, 35 percent of those surveyed went out-of-network for dental services, 22 percent visited a specialist, and 17 percent

utilized vision services. More than half of those surveyed have not referenced their provider directory in the past year. Among those who have, predominant searches were for in-network

dentists and vision care providers, and 75 percent reported being able to find a provider who is a good match. One notable challenge is that half of those in poor or fair health reported

that many providers do not accept new patients, compared to 34 percent of those in good or excellent health. Additional challenges for those in poor or fair health include the need for new

specialists, finding mental health providers, inability to go to a preferred hospital and finding continuing care after hospitalization. SWITCHING PLANS Beneficiaries who have switched plans

from original Medicare or other Medicare Advantage plans say they are happy with their decision; one-third say they changed plans for better dental, vision, hearing or wellness coverage.

Among those who researched original Medicare, the absence of prior authorizations and referrals was a key factor when switching, with consistent benefits a close second. Among those with

Medicare Advantage plans, roughly half (48 percent) do not know if they can switch to original Medicare. More than half (55 percent) do not know if people can switch to original Medicare and

purchase a Medigap plan like they could when they first were eligible to enroll in Medicare. Two-thirds feel that the process of purchasing a Medigap plan will be at least somewhat

complicated. METHODOLOGY Completing the December 2024 online survey were 3,425 current Medicare Advantage beneficiaries ages 66-plus who were participants in their health insurance coverage

decisions. For more information, please contact Teresa A. Keenan at [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact External Relations at [email protected].