Supplemental Benefits with MA Plans
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have come a long way since they were first introduced in 2003. At that time, there were only six plans available. Today, there are more than 2,000 MA plans offered in the United States. And according to a recent study by Miliman, nearly all of these plans offer supplemental benefits in 2022. Supplemental benefits can include things like dental and vision coverage, which are not covered by traditional Medicare. They can also include things like home health services, transportation assistance, and more. These benefits can make a real difference in the quality of life for beneficiaries, and the fact that more MA plans are offering them is a positive trend.
The study found that the number of MA plans offering supplemental benefits has grown steadily over the past few years. This increase is likely due to the growing popularity of supplemental benefits among beneficiaries. In 2022, the average MA plan offered 13 different supplemental benefits, up from 12 in 2020 and 11 in 2018. In 2020, only nine percent of plans didn’t offer any supplemental benefits. This year, that number has dropped to just 0.02 percent, with nearly all of the MA plans (99.98%) offering at least one supplemental benefit. The most popular being dental (84%), vision (77%), and transportation (74%). Other popular benefits included home health services (55%), hearing (51%), and wellness programs (50%).
The growth in the number of plans offering supplemental benefits is good news for beneficiaries, as it gives them more options to choose from when it comes to finding a plan that meets their needs. It’s also good news for providers, as it means that more beneficiaries will have access to the benefits they need.
Supplemental benefits grew in 35 out of 41 categories measured
MA supplemental benefits grew in 35 out of 41 categories measured from 2021 to 2022, according to the report. Many plans are now covering services such as dental, vision, and hearing care, which can be very helpful for seniors who may have difficulty paying for these out-of-pocket. The findings reflect the growing trend of MA plans providing more comprehensive coverage to enrollees.
In addition, the report found that nearly all MA plans will offer telehealth services in 2022, which has become increasingly important since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is significant as during the pandemic, many people were reluctant to go to the doctor's office or hospital. Telehealth services allow patients to consult with their doctor from the comfort and safety of their own homes and can be used for a variety of purposes, including primary care, mental health services, and chronic disease management.
Vision, Hearing, Fitness, and Dental care
The most common benefits offered in Medicare Advantage include vision (offered by 97 percent of plans), hearing (94 percent), fitness (94 percent), and dental care (91 percent). Other common benefits offered by Medicare advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, transportation to medical appointments, and home health services. Some plans also offer extra perks like gym memberships, discounts on over-the-counter medications, and free preventive screenings. While each plan is different, most Medicare Advantage plans offer more comprehensive coverage than traditional Medicare.
Over-the-Counter Benefits, Meal Assistance and Transportation
Eighty-four percent of MA plans in 2022 offer over-the-counter benefits, while 69 percent provide a meal benefit and 50 percent include transportation benefits. This is especially beneficial for seniors who may have trouble getting out and about. With over-the-counter benefits, they can get the medications they need without having to leave their homes.
Meal benefits can be a great help, as cooking can be difficult for seniors. There are a few different types of meal benefits that Medicare Advantage plans can offer. One type is called Meals on Wheels. This program provides hot meals to seniors who are homebound. This option is ideal for seniors who have trouble cooking or preparing their own meals. With home-delivered meals, they can get the nutrition they need without having to lift a finger.
Another type of meal benefit is called congregate dining. This option allows seniors to eat meals with other people at a designated location, such as a community center or senior center. Congregate dining is a great way for seniors to socialize and make new friends.
Having transportation benefits can also take a lot of stress off of seniors, as they won't have to worry about getting around. There are many transportation benefits for seniors that can help them maintain their independence and quality of life. These benefits can include free or discounted fares on public transportation, door-to-door services, and even speciality services like paratransit.
For seniors who live in rural areas, these transportation benefits can be a lifeline. They can provide access to essential medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social activities. For urban seniors, these benefits can help them remain active and engaged in their community.
Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI)
Overall, the number of Medicare Advantage plans offering special supplemental benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) benefits jumped 38 percent from 2021 to 2022 (815 plans to 11,271), this is good news for beneficiaries who are Chronically Ill and need extra help with things like transportation or in-home care.
Beneficiaries who are chronically ill oftentimes have difficulty leaving the house to go grocery shopping or even visit the doctor. This can put a lot of strain on both the beneficiary and their caregivers. Special Supplemental Benefits for the chronically ill can include things like transportation assistance, in-home care services, and more. Having a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers Special Supplemental Benefits for the chronically ill can help relieve some of that strain.
Food, Produce, and Meals (beyond a limited basis)
Food, produce, and meals were the most widely offered Medicare Advantage SSBCI benefit offered in 2022 and will continue to be one of the most popular benefits offered by MA plans. This is because SSBCI provides covered individuals with access to food, produce, and meals. These items are essential for good health, and they can help people save money on their grocery bills. It is important to note that this benefit is not just for those who are elderly or have chronic health conditions, but for all Medicare Advantage enrollees.
Targeting Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with diabetes were the most targeted population for these extra benefits, followed by congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is not surprising given that these are some of the most expensive conditions to treat. These extra benefits can make a big difference in the quality of life for beneficiaries with these conditions. For example, beneficiaries with diabetes may be able to get coverage for glucose monitors and other supplies that they need to manage their condition. Beneficiaries with congestive heart failure or COPD may be able to get coverage for home health services or transportation to doctor's appointments. This extra coverage can make a big difference in the lives of beneficiaries with these conditions.
Conclusion
The data supports the fact that the vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans in 2022 offer some sort of supplemental benefit. MA plans are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional Medicare coverage and this is good news for beneficiaries who want to have more comprehensive coverage as supplemental benefits can help offset some of the costs associated with healthcare. For example, dental and vision coverage can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for routine care, while fitness benefits can help seniors stay active and healthy. Supplemental benefits can also help improve seniors' quality of life by providing access to services that they might not otherwise be able to afford.
The trend of Medicare Advantage plans offering more and more supplemental benefits is likely to continue in the future, as plans look for ways to attract and retain enrollees. This is good news for beneficiaries, who will have more options available to them when choosing a plan that meets their needs.
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