Nearly a quarter of those 65 and older who chose to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare did so because of its additional benefits, according to a survey released Oct. 17 by the Commonwealth Fund.
The survey firm SSRS asked 1,605 adults 65 and older who were enrolled in Medicare as their primary source of coverage why they chose Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare and what resources they used to choose their coverage, according to the report. SSRS conducted the interview on the Commonwealth Fund's behalf between March 28 and July 4.
The top five reasons enrollees chose Medicare Advantage plans:
1. More benefits — 24 percent
2. Out-of-pocket limit — 20 percent
3. Recommended by trusted people — 15 percent
4. Offered by former employer — 11 percent
5. Maintain same insurer — 9 percent