In a recent TikTok video, a nurse discouraged her viewers from enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans in a PSA.
The video, posted by Christy (@christyprn) on November 21, has garnered over 128,900 views and sparked a lively debate among commenters about the pros and cons of these private health insurance alternatives.
In the video, Christy explains how she came across a billboard on the way home: “I saw a big billboard that said, ‘Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan and get a free gym membership!’ and it reminded me to remind you every year not to sign up for Medicare Advantage health insurance.”
She explains, “When these Medicare health insurance plans are administered by the government, it’s just called Medicare, or some of us call it traditional Medicare. However, some time ago the government started allowing private insurance companies to sell these plans. These are called Medicare Advantage plans.”
Christy continues to express her reservations about these private insurance plans, citing concerns that they may deny important health benefits that traditional Medicare would cover: “A lot of healthcare workers really don’t like these Medicare Advantage plans because they tend to have one denying “a lot of really important care that traditional Medicare would have covered,” she claims.
However, the TikToker emphasizes the need for careful consideration but offers a disclaimer: “There may be cases where a Medicare Advantage Plan provides an additional benefit that may be more beneficial to a patient than traditional Medicare.”
@christyprn An important message☝🏼 (don’t mind my kids fighting in the background) #greenscreen #healthinsurance #healthcare #nursesoftiktok #patientadvocate ♬ Original sound – Christy, RN | advocate
Since its release, the video has sparked a lively debate in the comments section, with healthcare workers and viewers sharing their experiences and opinions.
Some shared Christy’s concerns, with one commenter saying, “I work in home care and the Medicare Advantage plans are the worst. “We can’t cover anything.”
“Thank you, say it louder. Advantage plans are thieves,” a second added.
“RN here. Amen sister. It will bankrupt them,” wrote a third.
However, others disagreed and shared their positive experiences with their plans.
“My dad had various Medicare Advantage plans here in NC. They worked great for him. No additional monthly costs and more documents to choose from,” one such commenter wrote.
“Medicare Advantage worked great [for] Me. My doctor’s medical group is completely in control of their situation,” claimed another.
“No doctor in my area accepts regular Medicare. I can only use it in emergency clinics,” noted a third commenter.
The Daily Dot reached out to Christy via a TikTok comment.
*First published: November 26, 2023, 8:30 p.m. CST
Vladimir Supica
Vladimir Supica is a Serbia-based freelance writer for the Daily Dot. He enjoys traveling through Europe, reading non-fiction books and playing with his dog Max.
