Medicare DISAdvantage: Captain Kirk’s Pitch Won’t Protect Your Care

Ever wonder if William Shatner, Medicare Advantage pitchman in chief, actually has a Medicare DisAdvantage plan or Traditional Medicare?
 
You can sell anything if you believe in it. Captain Kirk doesn’t share his plan details, and either does ChatGPT – HIPAA is strong.
 
Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. That’s when beneficiaries choose gold or coal.
 
Why pick a Medicare DisAdvantage plan? Common answers: “I can’t afford Traditional Medicare” or “I’m healthy.”
 
Great, you’re 65 and healthy. Mortality still wins. Staying healthy means seeing doctors and getting care, especially as you age.
 
You can leave an MA plan for Traditional Medicare, but in most states getting a Medigap policy later can require medical underwriting. Costs can jump. Is your health worth the savings you think you’re getting? If money is the real issue, drugmakers offer assistance programs and Medicaid can cover the 20% Part B doesn’t.
 
Last week, Shatner had a blood sugar scare and told fans on Instagram he’s fine. What’s not fine is pretending his ads equal good coverage.
 
He has fronted Medicare hotlines and MA marketing since at least 2021. How much he makes isn’t public. Translation: he’s paid to read the script, not show his card.
 
Call it what it is: Medicare DisAdvantage when your doctor is out of network, prior authorization drags, formularies are thin or the extras vanish when you need them.
 
Choose based on your doctors, medications and travel, not a 94-year-old legend in a captain’s chair.
 
Beam me up, Traditional Medicare.