Signing up for Medicare isn’t as clear-cut a process as some might think. That’s because enrollees have a big decision to make — stick with original Medicare (Parts A and B) and pair it with a Part D drug plan, or sign up for an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan.
As of February 2026, more than 35 million people were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. And enrollment in Medicare Advantage has increased steadily in recent years, with 19% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries signing up in 2007 versus 54% in 2025, reports the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).
It’s easy to see why so many people find these plans appealing. Not only do many Medicare Advantage plans come with $0 premiums, but most also offer supplemental benefits beyond what original Medicare covers.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail.
Plus, some enrollees like the security of an annual cap on out-of-pocket spending, which Medicare Advantage plans offer. Original Medicare does not, though a supplement (Medigap) can help cap costs to a large degree.
That doesn’t mean Medicare Advantage plans are perfect, though. Enrollees who ditch Medicare Advantage often cite reasons such as limited provider networks and strict prior-authorization rules.
Mark Prip, a Medicare supplement insurance agent at Policy Guide, says, “If you’ve kept up with the headlines over the last year or two, you’ve seen Medicare Advantage undergo a significant shift. More than a million Medicare beneficiaries have been affected by Medicare Advantage plan terminations, consolidations, and service-area exits due in part to lower federal reimbursement rates.”
Prip also explains that to combat these lower reimbursement rates, many insurance companies have been shrinking provider networks and ending contracts with large hospital systems across the country.
Given these and other constraints, there are certain people for whom Medicare Advantage simply may be a poor fit. Here are three signs you may want to stick with original Medicare instead.
1. You don’t have great health
There’s a common saying that people in good health tend to do well with Medicare Advantage, while those in poor health tend to lose out financially. Scott R. Maibor, Managing Director at Senior Benefits Boston, says there’s some truth to that generalization.
“For someone with multiple or severe health issues, a Medicare Advantage plan may prove to be ultimately more expensive than traditional Medicare with a supplement due to the higher copays and maximum out-of-pocket limit,” he says.
Just beware of the “Medigap trap.” Those supplemental insurance policies that wrap around Original Medicare can be almost impossible to get if you enroll in Medicare Advantage first and try to switch back later. In most cases, you can only sign up for Medigap plans without facing medical underwriting during the first six months after you become eligible for Medicare, though state rules do vary.
Another reason you might prefer original Medicare if you have a chronic illness? Out-of-pocket prescription drug costs under Part D are capped at $2,100 annually (for 2026).
Danielle K. Roberts, co-founder of Boomer Benefits, a national Medicare insurance agency, says Medicare Advantage plan maximum out-of-pocket limits matter more than some people realize.
“If you’re managing a serious illness or anticipating frequent medical care, make sure to ask yourself, ‘If I had a year with significant medical expenses, could I comfortably afford to reach that maximum?'” she says.
On the other hand, Roberts points out that Medicare Advantage plans aren’t automatically the wrong choice just because someone has health issues.
“They can be an excellent idea for many people, especially those with certain health conditions or life situations who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid,” she says.
Roberts also explains that Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs), a type of Medicare Advantage plan, are designed specifically for people with certain health conditions or who are dual-eligible for Medicaid and are “actually one of the strongest examples of how Medicare Advantage can work well.”
As of February 2026, more than 8 million people were enrolled in an SNP, accounting for 83% of total Medicare Advantage enrollment growth over the previous year, per KFF.
2. You plan to split your time between different ZIP codes or travel frequently
Because Medicare Advantage plans limit enrollees to specific provider networks, Prip cautions that people who travel a lot may run into issues.
“While most plans will cover you out of state for medical emergencies, seeking care at specialty facilities in another state can become a real issue because of Medicare Advantage provider networks,” he explains. “So if you’re someone who travels frequently or simply wants the option to seek specialty care anywhere in the country, Medicare Advantage may not be the best fit.”
Maibor agrees and says snowbirds or retirees with providers in two locations may find it difficult to use a Medicare Advantage plan.
3. You don’t have the patience for constantly changing rules and providers
Another issue with Medicare Advantage plans? The rules aren’t set in stone. And that could make managing care cumbersome.
“I think the main reason Medicare Advantage may not be a good fit for someone is if they’re not comfortable keeping up with the rulebook that comes with these plans,” Prip says.
“Whenever we conduct a needs analysis with a client, we ensure they understand exactly how Medicare Advantage works,” Prip continues. “For example, I ask them, ‘Are you OK knowing that your current medical providers who are in network today may not be in network in the future? Are you OK with having to switch doctors if your insurance company is no longer contracted with your medical providers?'”
Prip says that if you live in a smaller town and don’t travel often, Medicare Advantage may be a more suitable option. However, he says that for those who want freedom, flexibility, and fewer surprises, original Medicare with supplemental insurance may be a better, less confusing choice.
How to choose the right Medicare Advantage plan
Medicare Advantage is wrong for some people but right for others. If you’re in the latter camp, it’s important to know how to choose the right one. To that end, Roberts says the key is not to get hung up on premium costs.
“The first thing I’d do is verify that your doctors, specialists, hospitals, and preferred pharmacy all participate in the plan’s network,” she says.
Next, Roberts says, you should make sure every prescription you take is covered by the plan’s formulary and see what your copays will actually be. From there, you can compare each plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.
Roberts says you should also estimate the cost of a major medical event.
“Understanding what you could owe if you need surgery, chemotherapy, or frequent specialist care is just as important,” she says.
Finally, Roberts advises, don’t let extra benefits be the driving factor. They can seem tempting, but you may not end up needing or using all of them.
“I always tell people to choose the plan that gives them confidence they’ll have access to the care they need at a cost they can comfortably afford,” she says.