Coalition News
Americans See Additional Benefits From Medicare Advantage During COVID-19
June 1, 2020
Social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis can be hard. Together, as one “distanced” community, we will overcome this crisis, and Medicare Advantage plans are making sure of that.
Standing by more than 23 million Americans 65+ and people with disabilities, Medicare Advantage plans are taking decisive action to remove barriers to good health. In fact, all Medicare Advantage plans have waived the cost of COVID-19 testing, and many have eliminated patient cost-sharing for treatment of the disease. At the same time, many Medicare Advantage plans are expanding their benefits.
At the start of 2020, Medicare Advantage plans expanded services offering additional benefits. Additional benefits include:
- support for caregivers
- meal delivery
- pest control
- air conditioners
- transportation
During COVID-19, Medicare Advantage plans are continuing to take extra steps to overcome barriers to health. For example, Cigna launched a pilot program to increase social connectivity among its Medicare Advantage members during the COVID-19 crisis. Knowing that loneliness can lead to a worsening of physical health, Cigna is reaching out to a growing number of its Medicare Advantage members to check in and monitor general health and well-being. Members can even opt-in to receive follow up calls from the same Cigna representative to help build meaningful connections.
Additionally, many Medicare Advantage plans, are encouraging use of telemedicine and waving patient cost-sharing associated with telehealth visits. In a telehealth visit, the patient speaks with his or her doctor over the telephone or over video on a tablet, computer or smartphone. This allows Americans 65+ and people with disabilities to continue to address their health care needs from the safety of their homes.
Now more than ever, feeling secure and stable with your health care is vital, particularly for Americans 65+ or those with underlying health conditions who may be at higher risk of COVID-19. Medicare Advantage plans are working together with doctors, nurses, and hospitals to keep the people they serve safe and healthy. Make sure to contact your health insurance provider to see what services are available to you.