Forbes October 20, 2025
Every fall, the deluge begins. The average American eligible for Medicare receives up to eight mailers a week — not counting the TV ads, phone calls, and pop-ups promising “$0 premiums” and “all-in-one coverage” for Medicare Advantage plans. It sounds like winning the healthcare lottery.
But Medicare Advantage isn’t simple — or free. Behind the shiny perks are trade-offs in access, flexibility, and cost. As a healthcare advisor, I’ve seen how even the most informed people get caught off-guard by the fine print. This year’s open enrollment season is the perfect time to separate myth from reality — and understand what’s actually changing for 2025.
Myth #1: Medicare Is Free
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Medicare, once you...







