MADISON — With Medicare open enrollment beginning Oct. 15, the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA) is launching an education campaign to help seniors and their families understand the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies.
Enrollment ends Dec. 7, and coverage chosen during this period takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
“Choosing coverage is about more than a premium,” said Richard Roberson, MHA president and chief executive officer. “Families should weigh their health needs, out of pocket costs, and whether they can still see the doctors and hospitals they trust. Mississippi hospitals put personalized, high-quality care first, and we hope these tools help seniors select a plan that does the same.”
Medicare Advantage is a privately administered alternative to traditional Medicare. Lower premiums and extra benefits can make these plans look appealing, but they often come with trade-offs, including limited doctor and hospital networks, unexpected out-of-pocket costs, and prior authorization rules that can delay or deny care.
MHA offers these reminders for households comparing options this fall:
» Do your research. Ignore high-pressure ads and sales pitches. Compare each Medicare Advantage plan with Traditional Medicare so coverage, networks, and costs are clear before you enroll.
» Talk with your care team. Ask your hospital or physician how often Medicare Advantage plans reject recommended treatment and what that has meant for patients.
» Check the network. Confirm that the doctors and hospitals you rely on accept the plan now and are likely to stay in network next year. Many providers do not participate in Medicare Advantage.
» Look past the premium. A lower monthly cost can hide large bills if care is denied or steered out of network.
» Think before you switch. Moving from traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage generally means giving up Medigap coverage, which can be difficult to get back later.
» Speak up about problems. Report denials of care or misleading marketing to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
For more information on traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, including a suggested checklist for choosing a plan, visit www.mhanet.org/Medicare.
