WASHINGTON, D.C. – (December 13, 2023) – More than 32 million seniors and people with disabilities—over 50% of people eligible for Medicare—choose Medicare Advantage because it delivers better service, better access to care, and better value. A new study released today by AHIP found that Medicare Advantage enrollees receive higher quality care than those in original Medicare.
“Health insurance providers are committed to ensuring a healthy population,” said Jeanette Thornton, AHIP Executive Vice President of Policy & Strategy. “As today’s study highlights, Medicare Advantage provides high-quality care, with lower costs, more choices, and better outcomes for the American people.”
The study compared performance results for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information (HEDIS) measures focused on preventive and chronic disease care in original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in 2019.
- After examining data from 11 HEDIS measures, the study found that Medicare Advantage outperformed original Medicare in all but one.
- The study found that a higher share of Medicare Advantage enrollees were screened for 2 common forms of cancer than their original Medicare counterparts.
“Preventive care is essential to promote long-term wellness, reduce incidence of disease, and save money for consumers.” Thornton continued.
Medicare Advantage plans have been able to deliver high quality care even as they continue to achieve greater cost efficiency relative to the original Medicare program. A study conducted by Avalere showcased that if fee-for-service Part A utilization were equivalent to Medicare Advantage, spending would decrease which may increase the solvency period of the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by 17 years. And a recent Harvard Medical School-Inovalon study further supports the quality of care in Medicare Advantage, finding that enrollees have fewer readmissions, fewer preventable hospitalizations, and lower rates of high-risk medication use than people in original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage is a prime example of the government and free market working together to deliver better services, better access to care, and better value. That’s why health insurance providers are working with the Congress, the Administration, and other stakeholders to keep Medicare Advantage strong for the millions of Americans who depend on it for their health and well-being.
Click here to view the study.
Click here for more AHIP Medicare Advantage resources.
About AHIP
AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that make health care better and coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone. Visit www.ahip.org to learn how working together, we are Guiding Greater Health.