Election outcome could bring big changes to Medicare, experts say

Potential Shift Toward Privatization: If Trump wins, Medicare could see a substantial shift towards Medicare Advantage, where private insurers would handle a larger portion of the program, potentially making private plans the default option for beneficiaries.

Partisan Divide on Medicare's Future: The candidates have contrasting views on Medicare, with Harris favoring enhancements to traditional Medicare, while Trump's camp is more inclined towards expanding the role of private insurers, reflecting a deep partisan divide.

Medicare Advantage’s Growing Role and Costs: Over half of Medicare beneficiaries are already in Medicare Advantage plans, which are costlier to the government and taxpayers than traditional Medicare by around 6% but are viewed by some as offering additional benefits.

Challenges for Beneficiaries Switching Back: Enrollees in Medicare Advantage may face difficulties returning to traditional Medicare, particularly due to potential high premiums or denials for supplemental coverage if they try to switch later in life.

Public Sentiment and Electoral Impact: Medicare policy is a major factor in voting for many Americans, with recent polls showing that positions on Medicare and Social Security strongly influence over 60% of voters' decisions in the upcoming election.