“Got Medicare Advantage? Prepare for New Perks — and New Questions,” by Paula Span, New York Times

“When Medicare’s open enrollment period begins on Oct. 15, the private insurers that underwrite Advantage plans — which already lure seniors with things traditional Medicare can’t cover, like eyeglasses, hearing aids and gym memberships — will be free to add a long list of new benefits. Among those the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will now allow, if they’re deemed health-related: Adult day care programs. Home aides to help with activities of daily living, like bathing and dressing. Palliative care at home for some patients. Home safety devices and modifications like grab bars and wheelchair ramps. Transportation to medical appointments. … Yet celebration may prove premature. Many questions remain about how insurers will respond to the legislative opening.”

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

What questions? They worry Medicare Advantage will out-compete traditional Medicare and gain market share even more.

Got Medicare Advantage? Prepare for New Perks — and New Questions

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