Medicare Advantage Plans Cleared to Go Beyond Medical Coverage — Even Groceries

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded the definition of "primarily health-related" benefits insurers can include in their Medicare Advantage policies, which would be added on top of traditional benefits, reports Kaiser Health News . "Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will have more supplemental benefits making it easier for them to lead healthier, more independent lives," says CMS Administrator Seema Verma. Advantage plans limit members to a provider network, and similar limitations may apply to the new benefits. CMS says insurers will be allowed to provide care and devices that prevent or treat illness or injuries, compensate for physical handicaps, address the psychological effects of illness or injuries, or reduce emergency medical care. Besides transportation to doctors' offices or better food options, some insurance experts note supplemental benefits could include modifications in beneficiaries' homes, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, or aides to help with daily activities. "This will allow us to build off the existing benefits that we already have in place that are focused more on prevention of avoidable injuries or exacerbation of existing health conditions," notes Capital District Physicians' Health Plan's Alicia Kelley. Under the new rules, the new benefits must be "medically appropriate" and recommended by a licensed healthcare provider.