Medicare Advantage Delivers Benefits that Help Nearly 30M Americans Overcome Barriers to Health

Medicare Advantage helps keep America’s seniors and people with disabilities healthy, which is important not only for those who rely on it for their health coverage, but also their families, communities, and society at large. Medicare Advantage serves some of the most vulnerable populations. In fact, 32% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are racial/ethnic minorities, 40% make less than $25,000 per year, and 63% are 70 or older.

Medicare Advantage not only offers high-quality coverage, it also offers protection against high out-of-pocket costs through a cap on an individual’s annual out-of-pocket spending. Many plans also offer benefits like integrated vision, hearing, and dental, transportation to medical appointments, and comprehensive prescription drug coverage, unlike original Medicare. The program helps members stay healthy through preventive care measures and innovative health care options.

For some Americans in vulnerable communities, additional support is needed, and the barriers to good health can take various forms. Some people don’t drive or have access to safe, reliable transportation. Some live with disabilities that make leaving home difficult. Others struggle to access healthy foods. Poverty, sub-standard housing, and unsafe neighborhoods also affect the health of seniors and those with disabilities.

These barriers are examples of social determinants of health. Factors like where we live, work, play, learn, and age can all influence our health. Medicare Advantage works to tackle these social barriers to good health through supplemental benefits that deliver better services, better access to care, and better value for millions of seniors and people with disabilities.

Medicare Advantage offers many services that address social determinants of health, such as expanded access to telehealth services, in-home support services, and home delivery of essential supplies like prescription drugs and groceries. Many Medicare Advantage plans also provide transportation to health care appointments and non-medical outings like fitness classes or other social programs that protect seniors from the hazards of isolation and loneliness, especially among first generation immigrants and diverse communities.

Not every health care problem can — or should— be addressed with a prescription pad. That’s why Medicare Advantage is committed to developing innovative solutions to promote long-term health and wellness for the nearly 30 million seniors and people with disabilities the program serves.