Examination of Differences in Nonmedical Supplemental Benefit Coverage for Dual-Eligible Enrollees in Medicare Advantage Plans in 2021

Abstract

This cross-sectional study uses Medicare Advantage benefit package data for 2021 to examine differences in the coverage of nonmedical supplemental benefits—such as transportation services and food and meal assistance—for dual-eligible enrollees with health-related social needs.

Addressing Social Needs Through Medicare Advantage Plans’ Supplemental Benefits—A Potential Not Yet Realized

“…The MA program will soon enroll more than 50% of all Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom may stand to benefit from supplemental benefits to address social needs. The study by Jin et al 3 shows that while uptake might be higher among integrated plans, there is still a long way to go before these services are widely available for Medicare beneficiaries, including those dually-enrolled in Medicaid, who potentially stand to benefit the most.…”

“…They found that with the exception of food and produce and transportation for nonmedical needs, the adoption of supplemental benefits was low overall but relatively higher for FIDE-SNPs. 3 One important limitation of these results is that the numbers presented are likely overestimating beneficiary uptake, as the plan benefit data only report on whether a plan offers a benefit, not for whom, how much, or whether or not beneficiaries use these benefits. The study by Jin et al 3 adds to the developing body of evidence that the potential of these benefits may not yet be realized.…”

“…This study by Jin and colleagues adds to the literature by examining the uptake of supplemental benefits to address social needs among dual special needs plans (D-SNPs), which are an evolving type of MA plan intended to integrate Medicare and Medicaid coverage for individuals who are eligible for both. Using publicly available plan benefits and SNP data, Jin et al compared the adoption of new benefits in 2021 among D-SNP, fully integrated D-SNP (FIDE-SNP), and general MA plans. They found that with the exception of food and produce and transportation for nonmedical needs, the adoption of supplemental benefits was low overall but relatively higher for FIDE-SNPs .…”

“…Using publicly available plan benefits and SNP data, Jin et al compared the adoption of new benefits in 2021 among D-SNP, fully integrated D-SNP (FIDE-SNP), and general MA plans. They found that with the exception of food and produce and transportation for nonmedical needs, the adoption of supplemental benefits was low overall but relatively higher for FIDE-SNPs . One important limitation of these results is that the numbers presented are likely overestimating beneficiary uptake, as the plan benefit data only report on whether a plan offers a benefit, not for whom, how much, or whether or not beneficiaries use these benefits.…”

“…One important limitation of these results is that the numbers presented are likely overestimating beneficiary uptake, as the plan benefit data only report on whether a plan offers a benefit, not for whom, how much, or whether or not beneficiaries use these benefits. The study by Jin et al adds to the developing body of evidence that the potential of these benefits may not yet be realized . It is particularly concerning that uptake of these benefits is not higher for plans that serve the population dually-enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, who may stand to benefit the most from services designed to address social needs.…”