Few Change Medicare Plans Each Year, But Three Times as Many Are Considering a Change in 2010, Allsup Sur...( Only 5 perce...),Health

Only 5 percent of seniors have changed Medicare plans, 16 percent might this year; Cost savings, better service and improved coverage among biggest drivers to change plans as Medicare enrollment season nears

Belleville, Il (Vocus) November 9, 2009 -- While only 5 percent of seniors have changed their Medicare plan since becoming eligible, three times as many (16 percent) report they are likely to or are considering switching plans in 2010, according to an independent survey of seniors over 65. Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security disability representation and Medicare services to seniors, commissioned the survey. Medicare annual enrollment, when any Medicare-eligible person can switch plans, runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.

The Allsup Medicare Advisor Seniors Survey also found that only one in four seniors are very confident that their Medicare coverage would be adequate if their health condition were to change.

“Many seniors are limiting themselves to the Medicare option they are familiar with— the one they already have,” said Paul Gada. Gada is Allsup’s personal financial planning director and product manager for Allsup Medicare Advisor, a Medicare plan selection service that helps people choose the most affordable and appropriate plan for their specific healthcare needs.

“They may not be confident their plan can handle their changing needs. At the same time, they have a number of different reasons
'/>"/>