More than 26 million Americans — nearly 40% of all those eligible for Medicare* — now choose Medicare Advantage plans. And that number is expected to grow to 51% by 2030.**

The plans’ ability to deliver more extensive services, access to care and value to Medicare members has fueled its growth. Innovative patient‑centered programs help improve quality and reduce costs for seniors and the most vulnerable Americans with disabilities.

What sets Medicare Advantage plans apart? Compared to traditional Medicare plans, Medicare Advantage provides more benefits to members. Supplemental benefits generally include integrated vision, hearing and dental coverage, along with a telehealth option. Other unique benefits address social barriers to better health such as wellness programs, nutrition, transportation and in‑home caregiver solutions.

Advantages to Labor Funds. The Labor industry has always promoted comprehensive health care benefits for its members. When a Labor fund provides retirees with a Group Medicare Advantage plan, it replaces the Fund’s retirement health plan.

Group Medicare Advantage plans work with your retired members to help prevent and detect diseases and manage health. Chronic conditions are addressed through programs that better integrate and coordinate care.

With a Blue Cross Medicare Advantage^SM plan:

• It’s easier than administering your own retiree plan and generally less expensive. We handle all the claims, providing a full-service program.
• There’s reduced liability on claims; premiums become a fixed cost (PMPM).
• Members’ care is managed. Medical management programs help members with the most common chronic conditions, working with them to improve their quality of care and reducing the rate of hospital admissions/readmissions.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates our Blue Cross and Blue Shield National PPO Medicare Advantage plan 4‑Stars. The extra reimbursement from CMS lets us reinvest back into the plan to enhance benefits and reduce premiums. We also invest to improve operational and performance outcomes.

Advantages to members:

• Affordability. Medicare Advantage plans are typically aligned to keep costs down — and premiums have been declining for more than 10 years.** Several out‑of‑pocket costs are capped, compared to traditional Medicare‑only coverage that exposes members to high‑cost sharing. Most Medicare Advantage plans are packaged with a Part D Drug program (MAPD plans). That makes the MAPD plan an attractive alternative to a Medicare Supplement plan, where the member can purchase Part D prescription coverage at an additional premium expense.
• Array of benefits and services. In addition to hospital and medical coverage, members can also take advantage of prescription drug programs, ancillary services not covered currently by traditional Medicare (vision, hearing, dental) and other wellness and social programs.
• Member satisfaction. A recent poll* found high satisfaction with the Medicare Advantage program. More than 95% of seniors would recommend it to their friends and family.
• Customer service. We can help guide members through their coverage options to help them get the most out of their benefits.

Medicare Advantage programs promote enhanced benefits and access to care, develop innovative services and strive to improve quality — while also reducing costs. Your Labor account executive can help you explore the benefits of offering a Medicare Advantage plan to your retirees.

Sources:
*Coalition for Medicare Choices

** Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), A Dozen Facts About Medicare Advantage in 2020

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