Over the next few years, Medicare Advantage plans will change. Indeed, these plans have been evolving since their inception, and they will continue to do so. This article will take a closer look at the future of Medicare Advantage plans 2024.
Focus on Preventive Care
As more Americans move into Medicare, the importance of preventive care is growing. Medicare Advantage plans can play a significant role in this. In the future, we expect to see more focus on preventive care and wellness programs within these plans.
Medicare Advantage plans are already designed to provide preventive care services, such as flu shots, mammograms, and prostate cancer screenings, at no additional cost to beneficiaries. However, in the future, we expect these plans to provide more added benefits in areas such as nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
More Special Needs Plans
Special Needs Plans are Medicare Advantage plans that cater to individuals with specific healthcare needs. These plans provide more targeted care for populations such as those with chronic conditions, dual-eligible beneficiaries, or those needing long-term care. In the future, we expect to see more Special Needs Plans, as more Americans become eligible for Medicare.
Special Needs Plans are typically offered by health plans that have specialized experience in caring for certain populations. One of the advantages of these plans is they offer more benefits and coverages than regular Medicare Advantage plans.
Telehealth Services
Advancements in technology have made telehealth services available to seniors who are unable to visit in-person for medical care. Telehealth services include video or phone consultations with doctors or nurses for diagnosis, treatment, and even mental health counseling.
Medicare Advantage plans have started to offer telehealth services to their beneficiaries. In the future, we expect to see more Medicare Advantage plans leverage digital health technologies to improve care access and reduce costs.
Greater Focus on Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people live, work, and play. Social factors such as income, housing, and access to transportation can affect an individual’s health outcomes. In the future, we expect Medicare Advantage plans to have a greater focus on addressing social determinants of health to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
By addressing social determinants of health, Medicare Advantage plans can improve health equity and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the care necessary to maintain good health. Medicare Advantage plans could offer benefits such as transportation to medical appointments, housing assistance, or even job training programs.
More Personalized Care
As Medicare Advantage plans become more widespread, we expect to see more personalized care options available for beneficiaries. Personalized care is tailored to individual needs, preferences, and medical conditions to ensure each beneficiary receives care that is appropriate for their specific situation.
Medicare Advantage plans are already ahead of traditional fee-for-service Medicare in providing personalized care. In the future, we expect these plans to continue to expand their personalized care options, including care coordination, care management, and electronic health records.
Conclusion:
By 2024, Medicare Advantage plans will be more focused on preventive care, Special Needs Plans, telehealth services, social determinants of health, and personalized care. These changes will allow seniors to have better access to care, leading to better health outcomes and less overall healthcare costs. If you’re currently on traditional Medicare, explore your options for Medicare Advantage plans and see if they’re right for you. The future of healthcare is changing, and you don’t want to be left behind.