Brief: Using MA Supplemental Benefits to Respond to COVID-19

ATI Advisory and LTQA developed an issue brief that highlights how Medicare Advantage plans can use supplemental benefits to meet Medicare beneficiary needs during COVID-19. MA plans can provide non-medical supplemental benefits, things like food and produce delivered to Medicare beneficiaries’ doors and outreach to address social isolation, and CMS is providing unprecedented flexibility to MA plans to make midyear benefit changes.

The brief highlights Medicare beneficiary need during COVID-19 and how Medicare Advantage plans are using supplemental benefit flexibility to provide needed services. The brief also includes recommendations for actions that would allow MA plans to maximize their ability to support members during the pandemic.