WHY IS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE SO POPULAR?
Medicare Advantage (MA) is a public-private partnership that provides healthcare to more than 34 million seniors and people with disabilities in the United States. Today, it is the preferred choice for 53% of all Medicare beneficiaries. Unlike traditional Medicare, MA offers a more integrated, affordable, and personalized approach to care, often including additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.
A new, first-of-its-kind national survey released by Medicare Advantage Majority finds that caregivers across the country overwhelmingly credit Medicare Advantage with easing their caregiving responsibilities, saving time and money, and providing much-needed stability for the seniors they support.
Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) is a 501(c)4 organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for Americans who depend on it. MAM is powered by the support of local advocates across the country, including beneficiaries, caregivers, providers, and community leaders.
The findings highlight how Medicare Advantage not only strengthens care for older Americans but also helps millions of people balance work, childcare, and caregiving responsibilities amid rising costs and increasing demands.
The MAM caregiver survey polled caregivers of seniors currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Among the poll’s findings:
High awareness and satisfaction of the MA program: 87% of caregivers are aware of the benefits and features of the MA plan the senior they support is enrolled in, and 82% are satisfied with the coverage and care provided.
Easier caregiving experience: 69% of caregivers say MA plans make their caregiving responsibilities easier to manage than traditional Medicare. Among caregivers with minor children, that figure rises to 76%.
Time saved each month: 51% of caregivers save at least five hours per month on coordinating care, managing appointments, and similar tasks, thanks to the MA plan their senior is enrolled in. Among caregivers with children, 63% report saving five or more hours per month, and 25% save over 10 hours.
Significant cost savings: 47% of caregivers estimate saving more than $1,000 annually on premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs, or from being able to work more and take less time off. That number climbs to 55% among caregivers with children.
Strong opposition to cuts: 81% say cuts to MA would raise out-of-pocket costs, 74% fear losing access to in-home care services, and 73% worry cuts would increase their caregiving burden and emotional strain.
This includes specific concern about consequences of the No UPCODE Act: 84% of caregivers are concerned about decreased access to primary care programs for rural or homebound seniors, nutrition, dental, hearing, and vision benefit cuts, and higher premiums and out of pocket costs; 82% of caregivers are concerned about loss of programming to support seniors with diabetes, heart disease, and similar conditions.
Political implications: 79% would recommend an MA plan to caregivers of other seniors, and 59% say they would be less likely to vote for a member of Congress who supported cutting MA funding. An astonishing 92% are willing to take action to protect MA.
MAM’s new caregiver poll builds upon its March 2025 survey of seniors and research from October 2024, which found overwhelming support for protecting Medicare Advantage funding and benefits.
“Medicare Advantage doesn’t just serve seniors, it supports the ecosystem and community of people who care for them,” said MAM spokesperson Darren Grubb. “With the cost of necessities at an all-time high, millions of families depend on Medicare Advantage to manage healthcare expenses and make caregiving more manageable. Lawmakers should protect these benefits, as both seniors and caregivers are paying attention and counting on Medicare Advantage to keep families and communities strong,” he said.
Caregivers recognize that Medicare Advantage simplifies their lives, saving them time and money. MA is also fiscally responsible because it introduces private-sector competition into Medicare, allowing insurers to innovate and compete for the enrollment of seniors. This competition creates efficiency and improves the quality of service.
Unlike a government-operated system, Medicare Advantage keeps costs under control. Most importantly, beneficiaries have more options and can choose from various plans, including HMOs and PPOs. This allows beneficiaries to choose the coverage that best fits their needs and budgets.
The benefits of MA are significant in Louisiana, as approximately 20% of the population, or 940,000 people, are enrolled in Medicare, according to a KFF 2024 analysis.
Medicare Advantage proves the value of a private sector role within a public framework. This avoids the many disadvantages of a socialized healthcare system. MA shows that market-based reforms within Medicare can work. It is a model that preserves individual freedom while leveraging private-sector efficiency.
