Common Medicare Myths and Misconceptions in Missouri

Most Medicare beneficiaries in Missouri are leaving money on the table without realizing it. Whether it's skipping annual plan comparisons, misunderstanding what Medicare Advantage dental benefits actually cover, or assuming all Medigap plans cost the same, widespread myths about Medicare lead to poor decisions and unnecessary expenses every year. If you're a Missouri resident on Medicare — or approaching Medicare eligibility — here's what you need to know to avoid the most common traps.

Myth #1: You Don't Need to Compare Plans Every Year

This is the most expensive myth in Medicare — and it affects Missouri residents just as much as anyone. According to a KFF analysis, nearly 7 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries did not compare their coverage with other options during the most recent open enrollment period. Among those enrolled in Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, 82% made no comparisons at all.

Plan benefits, premiums, formularies, and provider networks in Missouri change every year. A plan that was a great deal last year may not be competitive this year. Medicare's Plan Finder tool makes it straightforward to compare plans available in your Missouri zip code, and the process can potentially save you hundreds of dollars annually.

"Medicare is an ever-changing environment. There have been more changes in the past couple of years versus the last fifteen years I've been doing this," says Cindy Dedini, a licensed Medicare agent in California. "One thing I always tell my customers, we can really only plan one year at a time. Anything beyond that is pure speculation. That's a really good reason to make sure annually during Annual Enrollment that you know what's in store for the next year."

Myth #2: Medicare Advantage "Free Dental" Means Full Coverage

Many Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri advertise dental benefits as a major perk, and they are — but the reality often falls short of what people expect. Dental coverage embedded in Medicare Advantage plans varies wildly from plan to plan. Some cover up to $3,000 or more per year, while many cap annual dental benefits at $1,000 or less.

Most plans cover preventive care like cleanings and exams, but major procedures like implants, crowns, and dentures are frequently excluded or subject to steep limits. Before assuming your Medicare Advantage plan has you covered, read the fine print carefully. If you need more robust dental care, a stand-alone dental insurance policy may be a better fit for Missouri residents who want full coverage.

"Many plans advertise 'dental included,' but the fine print often just covers cleanings, maybe X-rays," says Brandon Brown, a licensed Medicare agent in Kentucky. "Stuff like fillings, crowns, or dentures? That's usually extra or not covered at all. Unless someone breaks it down for you, it's easy to assume it covers more than it does."

Myth #3: All Medigap Plans With the Same Letter Cost the Same

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans are standardized by letter — Plan G is Plan G no matter which insurance company sells it. But the premiums are not standardized. Different insurers can charge very different prices for the exact same coverage in Missouri, and pricing methods vary as well (community-rated vs. issue-age vs. attained-age).

In many Missouri markets, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive Medigap plan for the same letter can be double or more. Shopping around — especially during your 6-month Medigap open enrollment window when you can't be turned down for pre-existing conditions — can result in significant long-term savings.

"No matter which Medicare Supplement plan you enroll in, the coverage is the same. If you choose a Plan G, it is the same coverage with every carrier," says Kelsey Hentzen, a licensed Medicare agent in Kansas. "What to look for when enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan is the monthly premium, the financial rating of the company, and how long they have been in business. Make sure whoever you speak to can look at multiple carriers."

Myth #4: Your Part D Drug Plan Doesn't Need to Change

Every year, Medicare Part D plans in Missouri adjust their formularies, tier structures, preferred pharmacies, and premiums. A drug that was Tier 1 (lowest cost) this year might move to Tier 3 next year, dramatically increasing your out-of-pocket costs.

In 2026, there are significant changes Missouri beneficiaries should be aware of:

• New $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D prescription drug spending, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act
• Average stand-alone Part D premiums have dropped from $38.31/month in 2025 to $34.50/month in 2026
• Out-of-pocket costs for certain negotiated drugs have declined by roughly 50% compared to 2025

These changes mean your current plan might no longer be the best option — or a plan that was previously too expensive may now be a better deal for Missouri residents. Reviewing your Part D coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is one of the easiest ways to save money.

"Every Part D plan has its own formulary, tier structure, and pharmacy network. A medication that is affordable on one plan may be very expensive on another," says Chris Hajjar, a licensed Medicare agent in Michigan. "I always run a personalized drug analysis before recommending a plan because the lowest-premium plan is often not the lowest-cost plan once medications are factored in."

Myth #5: All Medicare Plans Are Basically the Same

According to KFF, the average Medicare beneficiary has access to 39 different Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 — and over 99% of beneficiaries have access to at least one plan. But those 39 options are far from interchangeable, especially when you factor in the specific provider networks and coverage areas within Missouri.

Plans differ in premiums, deductibles, copays, out-of-pocket maximums, provider networks, drug formularies, and extra benefits like vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs. An HMO plan that works perfectly for someone who rarely leaves their home area may be a poor fit for someone who splits time between states or travels frequently.

"When somebody asks me if they should just go with the cheapest Medicare plan, I always ask them what's important to them, because every Medicare Advantage plan is going to be different," say Steve and Sue Brauer, licensed Medicare agents in Arizona. "It really depends on what kind of extra benefits you want. Do you want low copays for specialists? Is it important to have a big dental allowance? It's really not a one-size-fits-all."

The key takeaway: don't assume any plan is "good enough" without comparing. Your health needs, medications, preferred doctors, and budget should all factor into the decision — and the right plan for a Missouri resident can depend heavily on which hospitals and specialists are in-network near you.

What Missouri Residents Can Do Right Now

Avoiding these myths starts with being proactive about your Medicare coverage:

• Review your plan every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Benefits, costs, and formularies change annually — including the plans available in Missouri.
• Use Medicare's Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare plans in your Missouri zip code.
• Read the dental fine print on any Medicare Advantage plan before assuming you're fully covered.
• Shop around for Medigap — don't accept the first quote you see. Get at least 3–4 quotes from Missouri insurers for the same letter plan.
• Check your Part D drug list every fall. Make sure your medications are still covered at the tier you expect.
• Talk to a licensed Missouri agent who can help you navigate your options. A local Medicare agent can review your specific situation and find the right plan for your needs.