​MA Supplemental Benefits More Widely Available in Metro vs. Rural Regions

​Medicare Advantage beneficiaries living in a metro area are more likely to be enrolled in a plan offering at least one supplemental service, such as in-home care, than in rural areas across the U.S., according to new data released last week by ATI Advisory. The data was presented during the biannual meeting of the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) Leadership Circle, which HCAOA sits on alongside representatives from the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA), the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the SCAN Foundation, and others.

While metro counties have the highest average of 21 plans offering nonmedical supplemental benefits, there are an average of 13 plans in micro and 10 plans in rural counties offering these benefits. Food and Produce, In-Home Support Services (IHSS), General Supports for Living, and Non-Medical Transportation are most common offerings across all counties.