KFF August 25, 2022
Medicare beneficiaries have the option of receiving their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan. The federal government contracts with private insurers to provide Medicare benefits to enrollees, and plans are required to meet federal standards. For example, Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide an out-of-pocket limit, and may provide additional benefits or reduced cost sharing compared to traditional Medicare. They are also permitted to limit provider networks, and may require prior authorization for certain services, subject to federal standards. This brief provides information about Medicare Advantage plans in 2022, including premiums, cost sharing, out-of-pocket limits, supplemental benefits, prior authorization, and star ratings, as well as trends over time. A companion analysis examine...