The study examined Medicare beneficiary survey data from 2017 through 2021. The study found that just 54% of MA beneficiaries were aware they had dental and vision coverage. MA enrollees were not more likely to receive eye exams, hearing aids or eyeglasses than their counterparts in traditional Medicare.
For most dental and vision services, traditional Medicare and MA beneficiaries paid similar amounts out of pocket. MA beneficiaries paid 9% less for eyeglasses and 9.3% less for dental visits, the study found.
The findings suggest MA beneficiaries may not be aware of the supplemental benefits available to them, the study’s authors wrote. Cost-sharing could also limit use of services, the study’s authors wrote.
In 2025, new CMS regulations require MA plans to send beneficiaries a mid-year notice informing them of any supplemental benefits they have not used.
Read the full study here.
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