What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries are under the Original Medicare Plan?

The percentage of Medicare beneficiaries under the Original Medicare Plan is approximately 30%. This is an important figure because it reflects the choice many beneficiaries make regarding their coverage options. Original Medicare consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) and is one of the most traditional forms of Medicare coverage available.

Beneficiaries may choose Original Medicare due to its familiarity, the flexibility it offers in choosing healthcare providers, and the broad range of services covered. It allows beneficiaries to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, which can be appealing to many.

In contrast, many beneficiaries opt for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), which may provide additional benefits and coverage options but often come with network restrictions. The significant number of beneficiaries under Original Medicare highlights the desire for a straightforward, widely accepted option, even as the availability of alternative plans has grown.

Understanding the distribution of beneficiaries among these plans is key for Medicare providers and stakeholders when assessing the overall Medicare landscape and making informed decisions about care and policy.