Medicare Advantage organizations are continuing to embrace
flexible benefits, with the number of plans offering Special Supplemental
Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) exploding from 245 in 2020 to 831 in
2021, according to a Jan. 27 analysis of CMS data from Faegre Drinker. While
the pandemic is just one factor driving the increase, the prevalence of certain
benefits points to more seniors seeking help from home. Of the new benefits
approved for 2021, virtual companion visits are offered by 62 plans. There was
also a sharp uptick in the number of plans offering pre-made meals (up 228%
from 2020) and food and produce delivery (up 242%). While diabetes and
congestive heart failure remain the most commonly targeted conditions, mental
health disorders took the No. 3 spot in 2021, with 230 MA plans offering
benefits related to anxiety, depression and substance use disorder, compared to
zero plans in 2020. Faegre's researchers tell AIS Health this is likely related
to the surge in demand for behavioral health services amid the pandemic.
NOTES: CAD=Coronary Artery Disease; CHF=Congestive Heart
Failure; COPD=Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; SUD=Substance Use
Disorder.
SOURCE: An Early Look at 2021 Medicare Advantage Benefits: Part II, Faegre Drinker analysis of CMS data, Jan. 27, 2021. Visit https://bit.ly/3tQD9Kw.
No comments:
Post a Comment