Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits and Improved Healthcare Use
The use of Medicare Advantage (MA) supplemental benefits is associated with improved healthcare utilization. These findings were even more favorable for dual eligible members, highlighting the importance of supplemental benefits for members who may have greater health related social needs.
MA supplemental benefits are items or services covered by an MA plan that are not covered by traditional Medicare, such as vision and dental care as well as benefits such as transportation and nutrition support. Policy makers and other stakeholders are interested in better understanding MA beneficiaries’ supplemental benefit use and its impact on healthcare outcomes. This analysis is among the first to provide data-driven evidence on the association between supplemental benefits and healthcare utilization.
The analysis uses a rigorous methodology to isolate the added value of supplemental benefit use on healthcare utilization outcomes, finding a decreased likelihood of inpatient admissions and non-emergent emergency department visits, and an increased likelihood of outpatient visits and preventative screenings among supplemental benefit users.
Related Public Policy Research
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer additional benefits not covered by traditional Medicare known as supplemental benefits. This paper examines the use of supplemental benefits overall and by demographic characteristics of MA members, demonstrating that supplemental benefits can address health-related social needs.
Understanding the Medicare Advantage Program
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans provide enrollees a valuable alternative to Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) by offering out-of-pocket cost protections, additional benefits, and innovative strategies for care management and coordination.
Connecting with Medicare Beneficiaries to Lessen Social Isolation
Negative physical and mental health consequences can accompany social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Early findings from Elevance Health’s Member Connect program demonstrate the positive impact social connectedness programs can have on member well-being.
Subscribe
Keep up with our latest news, research, and stories.
Subscribe to financial alerts on our investors site