Vic83, Thank you for pointing out all of the details that people should be looking for in deciding whether or not to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. As I said before, plans vary. My plan is not-for-profit and was started by physicians in 1984. Rated very high by US News and World Report as well as NYS, it is unique and THE ONE selected by my former employer for the retirees. (Other choice is take the money and buy your own.) No copays for screenings, annual check-ups and either of the 2 meds I take. Copays are $10 otherwise. Silver Sneakers included. Costs are low (my share is $196 for the year). Max out of pocket is $3,350 and I have never paid a third of that. I had a septal myectomy at Mayo and 4 other short local hospital stays before and after. I believe that they use a good model, they pay providers within a month (I get verification), and there are thousands of providers. Seriously, I do not know why people at other places do not look at this model - I think for-profit insurance companies lobby against such non-profit licensing/certification.