Medicare Advantage leads the way, according to report
By HME News Staff
Updated 10:17 AM CDT, Thu May 20, 2021
WASHINGTON – Enrollment in Medicare Advantage programs has nearly doubled in the past decade to 26 million Americans or 42% of all Medicare beneficiaries, according to the Better Medicare Alliance’s 2021 “State of Medicare Advantage” report.
The annual report shows near-universal satisfaction, greater consumer savings, and better health outcomes in Medicare Advantage programs compared to traditional fee-for-service Medicare. This year’s report also includes a snapshot of the Medicare Advantage community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This report is a testament to the importance of continued stability and support from policymakers – both for the 26.5 million beneficiaries who choose Medicare Advantage now, and the additional 10,000 Americans who age into Medicare each day,” said Allyson Schwartz, president and CEO. “As Congress and the Biden administration work to address health disparities, lower consumer costs and accelerate the move to value-based care, our research shows how Medicare Advantage is leading the way and is a critical partner in these efforts to modernize and improve health care delivery.”
Key findings in the report include:
- 98% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are satisfied with their coverage, while 97% are specifically satisfied with their network of physicians, hospitals, and specialists;
- Medicare Advantage beneficiaries had 41% and 18% fewer avoidable acute and chronic hospitalizations, respectively, than traditional FFS Medicare beneficiaries;
- Medicare Advantage beneficiaries spent less, with cost savings of $1,640, resulting in a 40% lower rate-of-cost burden than FFS Medicare.
The Better Medicare Alliance is a research and advocacy organization supporting Medicare Advantage.
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