ST. PAUL, Minn. — As the Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline approaches on December 7th, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is urging seniors to carefully consider the potential dangers associated with choosing or staying in Medicare Advantage – and to instead opt for Original Medicare.
“American seniors have the wrong idea about the ‘advantages’ of Medicare Advantage. Too often, they look only at lower costs and up-front benefits instead of verifying whether these health plans have a history of denying access to physician-ordered treatment. As federal inspectors have demonstrated, Medicare Advantage often denies medically necessary care,” says Twila Brase, RN, PHN, president and co-founder of Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom.
The choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is not merely a decision about health care coverage; it is a decision between freedom and captivity. When enrolled in Medicare Advantage, individuals cede control of crucial health care components such as Part A, Part B, Part D, and supplemental dollars.
One of the primary concerns with Medicare Advantage is the long history and continued pattern of health plans refusing to pay for necessary medical services. The consequences can be severe, leading to delayed or denied treatment. Right now, UnitedHealth is being sued for using an algorithm to deny care to Medicare Advantage members. Hospitals are dropping Medicare Advantage contracts due to insufficient payments for care. This concern is nothing new, as a 2018 Office of the Inspector General Report discussed the problem of denials for medically necessary treatment.
Medicare Open Enrollment ends in just 11 days. Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage must wait until the next Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period (January 1 – March 31) to switch to Original Medicare and regain control over their health care choices.
CCHF advocates for the rights and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare recipients are strongly encouraged to weigh the risks associated with Medicare Advantage. By choosing Original Medicare, individuals retain more control over their health care decisions, ensuring that they can access the care they require and choose their own practitioner. The peace of mind that comes with this freedom is invaluable, offering security and confidence during times of illness and injury.
