On average, just 1 in 10 Medicare enrollees switch their healthcare coverage during annual enrollment. If you have been switching year after year, pay attention. Most likely, your Medicare agent is encouraging you to switch coverage over and over in order to maximize their own commissions. Switching coverage annually leads to an increase in premiums of $40 or more on average. Additionally, KFF estimates that 11 percent of enrollees who switched coverage in 2014 were victims of Medicare churning.

The number of enrollees voluntarily switching plans has remained steady over time. People generally choose to stay on quality plans, with higher ratings. Switching plans puts them at the mercy of their new plan. Plans attempt to maximize profits year over year, trying harder during their formative years. Older plans can actually become too profitable over time. If your agent is attempting to move you into a newer, less established plan, you should be wary of Medicare churning.

Constantly switching plans lowers your standard of care landing you in poorer quality plans

If your agent recently moved you from one provider to another, and then back again, you are almost certainly falling victim to Medicare churning. Additionally, when your agent garners #1 with Humana one year, then #1 with Aetna the next, then #1 with Clover the next, you should start to wonder where your agent’s focus truly belongs. Medicare churning only benefits agents and agencies looking to maximize commission each year. The process lands individuals in poorer quality plans when compared to enrollees who stayed on their preferred plan.

Medicare churning lowers your quality of coverage over time. Additionally, studies have shown that Medicare advantage enrollees traditionally value quality over lower premiums. Given these facts, agents engaging in dishonest behaviors such as Medicare churning pray upon their own clients in order to maximize commission. Medicare churning is a disgusting and dishonest practice often performed on the most vulnerable and confused individuals who don’t understand the system in which they are required to participate.

If you’ve been switching plans year after year, you should be worried

Don’t fall victim to this practice! It will lead to you having constant trouble with changing networks and billing issues. Avoid agents who constantly send you anxiety filled messages. Be wary of agents implying newer plans are always better. If you are happy with your quality of care, consider staying on your current plan. Lower premiums and lower max-out-of-pocket do not always rule the day. You might find that $29 of additional premium annually is worth more than the hassle of dealing with a new network and formulary every year.

Newnan Medicare focuses only on your best interests.