Physicians for a National Health Program estimate, based on 2022 spending, that Medicare Advantage overcharges taxpayers by a minimum of 22% or $88 billion per year and potentially by up to 35% or $140 billion. By comparison, Part B premiums 2022 totaled approximately $131 billion, and overall federal spending on Part D drug benefits cost roughly $126 billion. A 2021 analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that for a hospital stay of six days, most of those on Medicare Advantage would incur higher costs than they would with Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have been promoted as a private-sector solution to traditional Medicare’s challenges. While many beneficiaries enjoy the additional benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs that some of these plans offer, it is essential to understand the potential drawbacks of Medicare Advantage from the perspective of patients and taxpayers.