What’s New in Medicare Advantage for 2025 (and Why You Should Compare Plans)

Brilliant Brand Management Brand Management
May 16
2 min read

Why This Post Matters

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or helping a loved one choose a plan, you need to know what’s changed in 2025. From new out-of-pocket rules to disappearing doctor networks, the wrong plan could cost you more—or deliver less.

Here’s what’s new and what to do.

Medicare Advantage at a Glance

Medicare Advantage combines:

Part A (hospital)
Part B (medical)
Often Part D (prescription drugs)
Extra perks like dental, vision, hearing, meals, fitness, and more

But each plan is run by private insurers—and every year they can change providers, benefits, or costs.

Key 2025 Changes to Know

1. Out-of-Network Charges Are More Regulated

Starting this year, CMS is cracking down on surprise billing. You now have:

Better protections against out-of-network hospital bills
Clearer network maps must be provided by all plans
More appeal rights when denied coverage

“CMS finalized new requirements to ensure network transparency and reduce denial rates.”(CMS Final Rule, 2025)

2. Extra Benefits Are Growing—But Vary by County

Many plans offer extras like:

Grocery or utility cards 💳
Transportation to medical appointments 🚗
Post-surgery meal delivery 🍲
Fitness classes or gym memberships 🏋️

BUT: Some counties are losing these perks or switching vendors. Always review your local 2025 plan before staying with the same one.

3. Star Ratings Matter More Than Ever

Plans are ranked 1–5 ⭐ by CMS for:

Customer service
Appointment access
Medication safety
Preventive care delivery

In 2025, bonuses are only going to plans with 4 stars or higher. Lower-rated plans may shrink or shut down altogether.

4. More Plans Are Partnering with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

ACOs are groups of doctors and hospitals working together to improve outcomes. If your plan partners with one:

You may get extra care coordination
Longer appointment times or home visits
Better chronic disease management

Why You Should Compare Plans—Even If You're Happy

Staying with the same plan without reviewing changes is risky. You could lose:

Access to your doctor
Medications covered last year
Free or discounted perks

What We Do at Universal Care Plans

We’ll help you: Compare all Medicare Advantage plans in your county, Screen for dual eligibility (Medicare + Medicaid), Maximize extra benefits, Avoid plans with limited networks or bad ratings.

Special Enrollment Is Available If:

Your plan changed doctors or coverage
You moved to a new county
You lost Medicaid
Your plan received low star ratings

Schedule a free Medicare Advantage review to avoid surprise costs this year.

(786) 380-3344 | 📧 info@universalcareplans.com www.universalcareplans.com