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Can
Medicare Advantage Improve My Health?
Every year, from October 15 to December 7, seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals can choose their Medicare health plans for the coming year.
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By Sarah Fernandes
viduals avoid health problems or detect issues sooner so they Medicare Advantage plans can be treated earlier. are among their choices. Health New England’s MediThese plans provide addition- care Advantage plans offer al benefits to the government’s all of this with $0 medical Original Medicare offerings deductible and $0 premium – benefits that may help people options. Additionally, benefibe healthier. ciaries do not need referrals to see in-network specialists. Health New England
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage bundles Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) and often Part D (prescription drug coverage) into one plan. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies, such as Health New England, Western Massachusetts’ local not-forprofit health plan. The “advantages” of Medicare Advantage include coverage for preventive care, and additional benefits like vision, hearing, dental, and fitness, as well as programs to help people manage health conditions and medications (for those with prescription coverage), which can positively affect health.
Fewer Hospital Visits and Complications There are many studies that show Medicare Advantage can help people be healthier. A 2018 study found that those with Medicare Advantage coverage had 23 percent fewer inpatient stays and 33 percent fewer emergency room visits than traditional Medicare members. It also found that people with clinically complex diabetes who were covered by Medicare Advantage had lower rates of complications.
Preventive Care
One reason for those results may be that Medicare Advantage plans offer fully cover preventive health visits, screenings, vaccinations, and lab tests. These can help indi-
Additional Benefits Beyond what Original Medicare covers, most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits such as: Dental, hearing and vision: Health plans know these services are important to overall health and many include coverage or allowances for these services.
Fitness allowances or reimbursement programs:
that address these needs, such as meal delivery services, and wellness programs focused on nutrition and mental health support. Health New England’s Healthy Directions program offers a one-stop shop for health and wellness information, tools, and resources that members can access from anywhere. These services make health care more accessible and help remove barriers that can negatively affect health outcomes. For individuals who may struggle to get to appointments or maintain a balanced diet, these added supports can significantly influence their overall health trajectory.
Many plans offer allowances or reimbursements for memberships to gyms, fitness programs, or weight loss programs, encouraging regular physical activity and healthy eating—both cornerstones of good health. Health New England’s Medicare Advantage plans offer $150 toward fitness and nutrition programs, and Is Medicare many other healthy choices.
Telehealth services: Convenient access to medical professionals via telehealth has become a lifeline, especially for those managing chronic conditions or limited by mobility.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Improving health isn’t just about doctor visits and medications. Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly recognizing the importance of social determinants of health—factors like housing or nutrition—which influence a person’s overall well-being. Some plans now offer benefits
Advantage Right for You?
Ultimately, whether a Medicare Advantage plan can improve your health depends on your individual needs and priorities. For those who prefer a comprehensive approach that includes preventive care and benefits beyond basic medical coverage, Medicare Advantage plans offer a compelling option. With their focus on keeping you healthy, not just treating you when you’re sick, Medicare Advantage can be a powerful tool in improving both your health and overall quality of life.
Sarah Fernandes, the Manager of Medicare Sales and Retention at Health New England, resides in Belchertown and is dedicated to assisting people in acquiring appropriate Medicare coverage for their health care needs.