What 8 recent studies found about Medicare Advantage

Much of Medicare Advantage growth is driven by people switching to the program from traditional Medicare, and this growth is picking up speed in rural areas. 

Here are eight research findings about Medicare Advantage Becker's has reported since July 26. 

1. Medicare Advantage enrollment is growing faster in rural and micropolitan areas than in metropolitan areas, according to an analysis from KFF. The number of people living in rural counties — those with populations of under 10,000 — enrolled in Medicare Advantage quadrupled from 2010 to 2023, growing from 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries to 40 percent.
   
   

2. Most growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment since 2006 was driven by people switching from fee-for-service Medicare to the program, a study by HHS researchers published in the September issue of Health Affairs found. 
   
   

3. Medicare Advantage plans generally spend less per enrollee than traditional Medicare plans, but these differences vary widely by condition, a study published in the September issue of Health Affairs found. Chronic kidney disease had the largest difference in spending between MA and traditional Medicare beneficiaries. 
   
   

4. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were less likely to receive ongoing at-home care than their counterparts in traditional Medicare but more likely to receive one-time visits, a study published in the September issue of Health Affairs found. 
   
   

5. Many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries disenroll from their plans within five years of enrolling, a study published in JAMA Health Forum found. 
   
   

6. Medicare Advantage enrollees were less likely to report receiving post-acute care after hospitalization than their counterparts in traditional Medicare, a study published Aug. 18 in JAMA Health Forum found. 
   
   

7. Half of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries say they don't fully understand their plan, a survey from Retirement Living found. 
   
   

8. Medicare Advantage enrollees who use supplemental benefits are more likely to live in areas with fewer resources, according to a report from the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute.