According to new data from Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans has topped 28 million in 2022. That accounts for the largest number of Medicare beneficiaries ever and almost half of all Medicare enrollees.

However, the number of Medicare Advantage enrollees in a given locality varies not only from state to state, but from county to county. For instance, the KFF data cites that only 19% of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in Monroe County, Florida, but in Miami-Dade County, that number stands at 78%.

San Luis Obispo County is one of those whose percentage of Medicare Advantage enrollees is significantly lower. Why, you ask? The reason is simple: the doctor supply in SLO County is limited.

That obviously raises important questions about the quality and cost of care for the average Medicare beneficiary, and KFF acknowledges as much:

“As Medicare Advantage takes on an even larger presence in the Medicare program…it will be increasingly important…to monitor how well beneficiaries are being served in both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare, in terms of costs, benefits, quality of care, patient outcomes, and access to providers…”

That might sound intimidating, but the good news is that you don’t need to worry, because that’s exactly why we’re here.

Year-over-year changes in Medicare have been a staple feature of the program’s existence since its inception. For this very reason, we at Susan Polk Insurance are constantly working hard to stay up on trends and policy changes, so that we can help you make sure that you’re getting the most out of your Medicare dollars.

With the Annual Enrollment Period kicking off in a month (AEP starts on October 15), it’s important to make sure that you’re weighing the options and making the best Medicare decisions. Contact us today and let us take an expert look at all of your options to make sure you’re enrolled in the plan that’s right for you. We’re always available and we’re delighted to help.