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ACAP Report Highlights the Role of Supplemental Benefits for Dually Eligible Beneficiaries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2024
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Samantha Anderson, (202) 420-7424, sanderson@communityplans.net
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FOR DUALLY ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES
WASHINGTON—A new report from the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) examines the pivotal role of supplement benefits in providing essential services to dually eligible beneficiaries that go beyond traditional Medicare coverage.
The report, The Evolving Supplemental Benefit Landscape for Dually Eligible Individuals, shares the unique experiences of ACAP-member Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). Its high-level findings underscore the need for health plans to have flexibility in tailoring offered benefits based on beneficiary experiences. It also highlights plan concerns regarding the potential impact of supplemental benefit standardization on effectively addressing the complex care needs of dually eligible individuals.
“Our Safety Net Health Plan members understand that sometimes, the best way to support the health and well-being of their dually eligible enrollees means delivering benefits that traditional Medicare doesn’t provide—ranging from nutrition support to providing a ride to the doctor’s office,” said ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “Safety Net Health Plans have been at the forefront in going above and beyond by delivering the supplemental benefits that their members desire and deserve.”
Currently, Medicare Advantage plans offer enrollees access to additional services to support their health, including dental, vision, and hearing benefits, alongside non-medical services such as food benefits, transportation services and housing supports.
ACAP’s report analyzes plan offerings for calendar year 2023 and survey findings of ACAP members’ perspectives on emerging trends with supplemental benefits. The report illuminates the increase in states coordinating with D-SNPs on which Medicaid benefits should be offered as supplemental benefits, and which supplemental benefits are considered “must-haves” by beneficiaries. The report also reminds policymakers to be cognizant to not pursue standardization in a way that reduces dually eligible beneficiaries’ access to care and D-SNPs’ ability to tailor supplemental benefits to meet their enrollees’ needs.
To read in full, visit www.communityplans.net.
About ACAP:
ACAP represents 79 nonprofit Safety Net Health Plans, which collectively serve more than 25 million people enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplaces, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other public health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.
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