Forty percent of those who chose traditional Medicare over Medicare Advantage did so because of greater provider choices, 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 survey. SSRS conducted the interview on the Commonwealth Fund's behalf between March 28 and July 4.
Here are the top reasons enrollees said they chose traditional Medicare:
1. More doctor, hospital and healthcare provider choice — 40 percent
2. Recommended by trusted people — 9 percent
3. Continuing coverage from employer — 7 percent
4. They have VA healthcare or Tricare for Life — 6 percent
T-5. Lower cost — 4 percent
T-5. Have supplemental insurance — 4 percent