Changes in store for Medicare Advantage as open enrollment starts [Video]

Attention, Medicare Advantage enrollees: It’s a good idea to review your plans during open enrollment, which begins Tuesday, so you don’t get caught by surprise next year.Although the swiftly growing market remains stable overall, insurers are making a flurry of changes that could leave some senior citizens hunting for new policies, paying more out of pocket or getting skimpier supplemental benefits.“In recent years, this is the most benefit disruption we’ve seen in the market,” said Lindsay Knable, a partner in consulting firm Oliver Wyman’s health and life sciences practice.The shifts come as Medicare Advantage enrollment is expected to hit 35.7 million, or 51% of total Medicare enrollment. Under the Medicare Advantage program, which serves as an alternative to traditional Medicare, the federal government enters into contracts with private insurers to provide Medicare coverage to beneficiaries, many of whom are very cost-conscious since they are on fixed incomes.However, few enrollees shop …