I never understood the idea that if you are healthy an advantage plan might be better because you save some money. Your health can change very quickly for the worse. Maybe their crystal ball works better than mine. Just based on both my parents experience, they had significant hospital bills, well in excess of $500,000 each in perhaps the last five years of life. They had BCBS F medigap plans and they paid absolutely zero beyond their monthly premium.
Even though it is more difficult to find a Dr in TV who accepts medicare plus suppliment, We would never consider an advantage plan. Outside the bubble I would believe most doctors accept medigap. That makes it much less of a concern when traveling. Concerning The Villages hospital I have spent 5 days there plus emergency room visits and my medicare plus BCBS medigap supplement covered all costs 100%.
Of course if the budget is tight going with an advantage plan is understandable. I justify the monthly premium as protection against catastrophic expenses. As an added benefit I don't have get a referral to see a specialist.
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