New CMS Data Show 46% Increase in Medicare Advantage Plans Offering Supplemental Benefits, Including Home Care

Last week, CMS released new data showing a 46% increase in the number of Medicare Advantage plans offering supplemental benefits such as home care – from 500 plans in 2020 to 730 in 2021.  The most offered supplemental benefits include in-home supportive services, support for caregivers, home-based palliative care, adult day and therapeutic massage.

Prior to 2019, home care agencies did not have a role in the Medicare Advantage landscape. After a variety of policy chances, they now have an opportunity to contract with MA plans through two major pathways. The first is the “primarily health related” pathway, which CMS carved out in 2018 rule-making. The second is the broader “Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill,” or SSBCI, pathway created a year later.
HCAOA continues outreach with Medicare Advantage plans to encourage engagement with home care agencies.