To Empower Consumer Choice, Standardize And Measure Quality Of Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits

Supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are a key feature that distinguishes MA from traditional Medicare. These benefits, not covered in traditional Medicare, include dental, vision, and hearing services; over-the-counter drugs; gym memberships; transportation; meal delivery; in-home support services; and others. A growing number of plans are offering at least one supplemental benefit (97 percent in 2024) and an increasing number of beneficiaries are enrolling in plans offering at least one supplemental benefit (99 percent in 2024). Low-income and non-White beneficiaries depend on MA plans with supplemental benefits because the plans are less expensive than the cost of traditional Medicare and a Medigap policy. Many traditional Medicare enrollees purchase Medigap to cover services and costs...