Publication: An Evaluation Framework for Assessing the Progress of Nonmedical Supplemental Benefit Development and Implementation in Medicare Advantage

Title: An Evaluation Framework for Assessing the Progress of Nonmedical Supplemental Benefit Development and Implementation in Medicare Advantage Publication date: February 2024 After five years of growth of nonmedical supplemental benefits, there are significant gaps in our knowledge and the data around these benefits, especially from the perspectives of Medicare beneficiaries. Action must be taken to close data gaps so … Read More

Blog: Opportunities to Improve Supplemental Benefit Data

Title: Heeding the Administrator’s Call: Opportunities to Improve Supplemental Benefit Data Publication Date: July 2023 CMS is proposing to collect data from MA organizations on the specific benefits they offer, the number of members who use the benefit, how often they use the benefit, and how much money the plan spends on members who use the benefit. Building on our years-long … Read More

Comments: Medicare Advantage Reporting Requirements

Publication Date: May 2023 LTQA has submitted comments on CMS’ proposal to revise Part C Medicare Advantage Reporting Requirements to require annual submission of data on the utilization and cost of supplemental benefits. We strongly support the proposal to require Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) to submit data to CMS annually on the utilization and cost of supplemental benefits, which is … Read More

Report: A Deep Dive on In-Home, Caregiver, and Social Supports in Medicare Advantage: Can These Benefits Meaningfully Meet Member Needs and Support Independence?

Publication Date: March 2023 Four years into implementation, nearly 40% of Medicare Advantage plans are offering either expanded primarily health-related benefits (EPHRB) or Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in 2023. This latest report, guided by the SSBCI Leadership Circle and produced by ATI Advisory and LTQA, examines why benefits that help members stay in their homes – … Read More

Comments: CY 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule

Publication Date: February 2023 On February 13, 2023, LTQA submitted comments on the Medicare Program; Contract Year 2024 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs proposed rule. LTQA’s comments on this Proposed Rule draw from our extensive research on nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage—in partnership with ATI Advisory and supported by The SCAN … Read More

Report: Expanded Primarily Health-Related Benefits in 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans

Release Date: November 2022 With support from The SCAN Foundation, LTQA and ATI Advisory are pleased to share information on PY2023 Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits. In 2023, more Medicare beneficiaries will have access to expanded primarily health-related benefits (EPHRB) than in prior years, especially those enrolled in Special Needs Plans. Also, many MA Organizations (MAOs) are offering EPHRB in most … Read More

Response: Medicare Advantage RFI

Publication date: August 2022 LTQA and ATI Advisory have responded to CMS’ request for information (RFI) on Medicare Advantage. We appreciate CMS’ efforts to explore how to better support MA beneficiaries with serious, chronic conditions and functional needs and advance equity through this RFI. Our comments on this RFI draw from our extensive research on non-medical supplemental benefits as well … Read More

Report and Webinar: Policy Recommendations for Congress to Advance New Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage

Publication Date: May 2022 Based on several years of research tracking the initial implementation and progress of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage, a new policy report from LTQA and ATI Advisory outlines three policy recommendations for Congress to advance supplemental benefits for Medicare beneficiaries with complex care needs. Broadly, these include modifying eligibility criteria … Read More

Comments: Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule

On March 7, 2022, LTQA submitted comments on the Medicare Program; Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs proposed rule. LTQA appreciates CMS’ efforts to support MA beneficiaries with serious, chronic conditions and functional needs through this Proposed Rule. In our comments, we highlight several considerations on the provisions with … Read More

Resource: Analysis of the CY2023 Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule: Impacts on Non-Medical Supplemental Benefits

LTQA and ATI Advisory are pleased to share our early insights on the CY 2023 MAPD Proposed Rule with a focus on the key provisions impacting non-medical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA). These provisions include standardizing social determinants of health questions in the health risk assessment, maximum out-of-pocket limits, coordination of Medicaid and MA supplemental benefits, marketing and communications, … Read More