As Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans gain acceptance and enrollment, improvements to the policies have been occurring on a regular basis. For those who have these plans in place, the 2022 changes are essential to understand, as they may affect their choices and options.

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Since 1997, senior citizens who are eligible for Medicare have had the opportunity to opt for a privately-run Advantage Plan in place of the original Medicare. These Advantage plans have seen a steady increase in market share as they incorporated attractive benefits such as vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, and access to OTC items. In 2022, MA Plan membership should reach 29.5 million if enrollment trends stay on course.

Three Medicare Advantage Plan Changes in 2022

Here are the top three changes to Medicare Advantage plans in 2022 that you should know about:

  1. Non-medical supplemental benefits: One of the most impactful increases is in the area of non-medical supplemental benefits, which includes meals, nutrition, transportation, and in-home services explicitly. The sharpest increases are expected to be seen in in-home services and nutrition.In-home services include benefits like personal assistance with medication, hygiene concerns, respite care after surgery, or help with necessary home renovations. In 2022, 62% of beneficiaries will obtain a plan that includes in-home services at a $0 premium. Less than 50% of beneficiaries had access to this benefit in 2021, marking a significant increase.

    Nutritional counseling, medical nutrition therapy (MNT), and obesity screenings are expected to see a marked increase in 2022. 89% of beneficiaries should see access to a $0 premium plan provided with nutrition-related benefits. In 2021, only 67% of beneficiaries had access to these benefits.

  2. $0 Premiums: Even those individuals who enroll in an Advantage Plan have to pay the Medicare Part B premium, which in 2022 has increased to $170.10. However, in 2022, 58% of beneficiaries will be able to sign up for a policy with $0 premiums, and this is in comparison to 53% of enrollees in 2021. Another data point for 2022 – the average monthly premium for all Advantage Plans will be $19, two dollars less than the premium in 2021.
  3. Broadening Coverage Areas: Medicare Advantage Plan providers maintain the service area expansion they engaged in throughout 2021, including senior citizens across the United States. In 2022, service providers such as Humana will add even more rural regions, and Cigna will be adding coverage in additional states – both moving in response to consumer demand and with plans to reach and provide coverage for even more clients.

Now is the Time to Reevaluate Your Plan

Open enrollment began on January 1 and will be applicable through March 31. Therefore, this is the time to research your options regarding Medicare, Advantage, and Medicare Part B. Seniors should speak with their spouse, loved ones, or advisors to assess medical needs – and then talk with an agent to determine the most appropriate Medicare coverage.

Each year, Advantage Plan insurance providers are offering more of what their clients have been demanding – including lower prices, additional benefits, and availability of plan coverage in more diverse locations.

Fast Fact: During open enrollment, those already on a Medicare Advantage Plan will have the ability to switch to another plan that may more accurately meet their needs.

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