An Oct. 19 Avalere analysis of 2022 Medicare Advantage offerings found significant growth among nonmedical benefits.
Of key nonmedical benefits — meals, transportation, nutrition and in-home support — 58 percent of Medicare Advantage plans provided all four offerings with a $0 premium compared to 53 percent in 2021 plans, according to the analysis.
Nutrition and in-home support benefits nearly doubled between years, with nutrition increasing from 17 percent of plans to 30 percent and in-home support increasing from 6 percent of plans to 11 percent.
Meal benefits were still the most-offered nonmedical benefit, increasing from 55 percent of plans to 68 percent. Transportation increased from being offered in 36 percent of plans to 39 percent.
A leading 96 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have access to a $0 premium plan that offers meal benefits.
More plans with at least four-star ratings from CMS in 2022 included all four nonmedical benefits this year. compared to 2021's numbers.