A nurse warns against Medicare Advantage plans. And here’s why

In a recent TikTok video, a nurse made a public service announcement to her viewers, advising against enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans.

The video, posted by Christy (@christyprn) on November 21, has received more than 128,900 views, sparking a lively debate among commentators about the pros and cons of these private health insurance alternatives.

In the video, Christy recounts that she encountered a billboard on her way home: “I saw a big billboard that said, ‘Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, and you’ll get a free gym membership!’” That reminded me to give you guys a yearly reminder not to… Enroll in a Medicare Advantage health insurance plan.

“When the government runs Medicare health insurance plans, it’s just called Medicare or some of us call it traditional Medicare,” she explains. “However, some time ago the government started allowing private insurance companies to distribute these plans as well. These are called Medicare Advantage plans.”

Christie continues to express her reservations about these private insurance plans, citing concerns that they may take away important health care services covered by traditional Medicare. “A lot of health care workers really don’t like these Medicare Advantage plans because they tend to say no,” she said. “A lot of really important care that would have been covered by traditional Medicare.”

However, emphasizing the need for careful consideration, the TikToker offers a disclaimer: “There may be some instances where a Medicare Advantage plan offers some additional benefits that may be more beneficial to the patient than traditional Medicare.”

@christyburn Important message ☝🏼 (I don’t mind my children fighting in the background) #greenscreen #health insurance #health care #nursesoftiktok #Patient_Advocate ♬ original sound – Christy, RN | Defending

Since being posted, the video has sparked lively discussion in the comments section, with healthcare workers and viewers sharing their experiences and opinions.

Some echoed Christie’s concerns, with one commenter saying: “I work in outpatient care and the Medicare Advantage plans are the worst. We can’t cover anything.”

“Thank you say it louder.” A second added: “Benefits plans are thieves.”

“RN here. Amen sis. This will bankrupt them,” a third wrote.

But others disagreed, recounting their positive experiences with their plans.

“My father was in different Medicare Advantage plans here in North Carolina. They worked great for him. “No additional monthly cost and more documents to choose from,” one such commenter wrote.

“Medicare Advantage has worked great [for] I. Another claimed that my doctor’s medical group works perfectly together.

“There are no doctors in my area who accept regular Medicare. I can only use it at urgent care clinics,” a third commenter commented.

The Daily Dot reached out to Christie via the TikTok comment.