Older Americans say they feel trapped in Medicare Advantage plans

Older adults who are in Medicare Advantage and are dissatisfied with their plans can make a switch until March 31. (SolStock/Getty Images)

In 2016, Richard Timmins went to a free informational seminar to learn more about Medicare coverage.

"I listened to the insurance agent, and basically, he really promoted Medicare Advantage," Timmins says. The agent described less expensive and broader coverage offered by the plans, which are funded largely by the government but administered by private insurance companies.