Historically, Medicare beneficiaries are the group of Americans most satisfied with their health care options. Surveys have repeatedly showed that those enrolled in both traditional Medicare plans or Medicare Advantage, the private sector incarnation, are happy with costs and services. 

A new survey by J.D. Power, a market research firm, shows what Medicare Advantage enrollees value most about their plans. Based on a 1,000 point scale to measure satisfaction, Medicare Advantage earned a 774, compared to 679 for commercial health plans. 

"Medicare Advantage health plan members tend to have a more favorable image of their health plan than do members of commercial plans on brand measures of trustworthiness, affordability, reputation and customer-centricity," said Rick Johnson, director of the health care practice at J.D. Power.