Six recent studies have looked at Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The studies found that MA plans and traditional Medicare can differ in clinical quality and costs, but most enrollees are equally satisfied with their coverage. The studies also found that MA plans are becoming more expensive, but they may be providing higher-quality care than traditional Medicare. Overall, the studies suggest that MA is a viable option for Medicare beneficiaries who are looking for a comprehensive and affordable health insurance plan.
Medicare Advantage (MA) is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare. MA plans typically offer more comprehensive coverage than traditional Medicare, and they may be more affordable.
Medicare Advantage (MA) and traditional Medicare can differ in clinical quality and costs, but most enrollees are equally satisfied with their coverage. Here are six recent findings about MA that have been published in the last few months:
- More data is needed to evaluate the quality of care that MA beneficiaries with serious illnesses receive. A group of researchers wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine that data is missing on the quality of care in MA and the availability of supplemental benefits, which are often used by beneficiaries with serious illnesses.
- The average premium cost for MA plans sold on eHealth increased from $6 a month in 2022 to $9 in 2023. This increase was likely due to several factors, including rising healthcare costs and increased competition among MA plans.
- Enrollees in MA and traditional Medicare use less post-acute care in markets with higher MA penetration. This suggests that MA plans may be providing more preventive care and managing chronic conditions more effectively than traditional Medicare.
- MA outpaced traditional Medicare on most clinical quality measures in 2010 and 2017. This suggests that MA plans may be providing higher-quality care than traditional Medicare.
- Reduced Medicare Advantage benchmark payments would likely have a small effect on premiums, cost-sharing, and benefits offered by MA plans. This is because MA plans have a lot of flexibility in how they design their plans and set their prices.
- Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement enrollees both reported high levels of satisfaction with their coverage. This suggests that both types of plans are meeting the needs of their enrollees.
Overall, these studies suggest that MA is a viable option for Medicare beneficiaries who are looking for a comprehensive and affordable health insurance plan. However, it is important to note that there is still some uncertainty about the quality of care that MA beneficiaries receive, and it is important to compare plans carefully before enrolling.
