CMS announced numerous significant changes for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that will positively impact members in 2021:
- MA membership is projected to be at an all-time high of 26.9 million, compared to 24.4 million in 2020.
- In 2021, beneficiaries with End Stage Renal Disease will be allowed to enroll in MA plans.
- Average 2021 MA premiums expected to decline to ~$21.00, resulting in the lowest average monthly premium since 2007. In some states, premiums will decrease by over 50% when indexed to 2017 rates.
- MA plans choices will rise to over 4,800, an increase of 76.6% when compared to 2017. Plan choices per county are also up from 39 in 2020 to 47 in 2021, and rural counties will see an 18% increase in the number of plan choices.
- Part D premiums will be ~$30.50 in 2021, continuing the trend of lower premiums since 2017.
- The Part D Senior Savings Model will make insulin available to seniors for no more than $35 per month.
- Over 94% of MA plans will offer added telehealth benefits, up from ~58% who offered it in 2020.
- 53 MA plans will offer increased access to hospice and palliative care through a new design model.
- Additional benefits are also on the horizon for 2021
- About 730 plans will offer supplemental benefits such as adult day health services, caregiver support, in-home support and therapeutic massage.
- The reinterpretation of a regulation will allow ~500 plans to offer lower cost-sharing or meals and transportation to members with certain conditions like heart failure and diabetes.
- About 920 plans will offer non-health related benefits such as pest control, home cleaning services, meal delivery and transportation.