The number of Medicare Advantage plans across the U.S. varies drastically, with as many as 50 plans available in some counties, according to an October data note from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The foundation's Medicare Advantage 2019 Spotlight: First Look considered CMS data to provide an overview of Medicare Advantage availability next year.
Here are four findings from the report:
1. Fifteen insurers will enter the Medicare Advantage market for the first time in 2019. Individuals can enroll in a total of 2,734 Medicare Advantage plans in 2019, an increase of 417 plans from 2018.
2. Much of the growth will take place in Florida, where the average beneficiary will be able to choose from 24 plans.
3. In 246 counties, beneficiaries will be able to choose between two or fewer plans, while beneficiaries in 115 counties will not be able to select any Medicare Advantage plans.
4. "More Medicare Advantage plans will be offered in 2019 than any year since 2009. While five insurers will be exiting the Medicare Advantage market, they comprise a relatively small share of the insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans, and include about 0.1 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees," according to the report.
Access the full data note here.
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