Case Managers Reveal The Secret Behind the Most Effective Supplemental Benefits

 Supplemental benefits have reshaped the lives of Medicare Advantage members, but we wanted to find out more. We asked case managers from a top MA plan to rank which supplemental benefits were the most helpful in helping members retain independence.

The evolution of supplemental benefits has been instrumental in tailoring services to meet beneficiaries’ diverse and unique needs, all with the goal of enhancing their satisfaction, health outcomes, and independence. The rapid expansion of these benefits has improved MA beneficiaries’ access to a range of essential home-based services.

However, growth has decelerated noticeably in recent years due to a shifting overall landscape. These changes, including alterations in star ratings methodology, prescription drug regulations, and higher utilization rates, have triggered closer scrutiny of the efficacy of the services offered by MA plans. As the industry changes, there’s a pressing need for a comprehensive evaluation of benefit offerings, focusing on expansion and effectiveness. 

Insights From Top Case Managers

Acknowledging this heightened scrutiny and increased need for comprehensive data collection, we sought to incorporate insights from those at the forefront of member care. Case managers play a vital role in guiding beneficiaries through their healthcare journeys, making their insights invaluable in understanding which supplemental benefits truly make a difference in promoting member independence.

To gather these insights, we conducted an extensive survey targeting top case managers from MA plans across the US. Their wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge allowed us to delve deeper into which services they perceive as most impactful in enhancing member independence. Through this exploration, we hope to provide valuable insights for MA plans and stakeholders insights that allow them to tailor benefit offerings to meet the diverse needs of their beneficiaries.

Now, let’s dive into the findings.

Our survey results paint a clear picture: among the 2,000+ case managers surveyed, 93% identified in-home caregiving as a vital service crucial for supporting member independence. Only 0.6% of case managers disagreed, indicating that this service holds immense importance. Such strong consensus underscores the critical role of in-home caregiving in empowering MA beneficiaries to maintain their independence and receive the support they need within the familiar environment of their own homes.

In our survey, case managers also provided valuable insights into the relative importance of other supplemental services administered by The Helper Bees. According to their rankings, meals were the second most important service after in-home caregiving. Transportation, housecleaning, and pest control followed closely behind, ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. These rankings offer valuable guidance for MA plans and service providers, highlighting the key areas where additional support can significantly enhance member independence and well-being.

The respondents’ preferences for in-home caregiving services likely stem from the benefit’s personalized nature, which allows for tailored assistance and support that aligns closely with members’ individual needs and preferences. These findings have significant implications for MA plans, highlighting the importance of prioritizing and investing in in-home caregiving programs to effectively meet beneficiaries’ evolving needs.

Key Benefits of In-Home Caregiving Services

Understanding why case managers prioritize in-home caregiving services offers deeper insight into their importance within MA plans. As we explore the key benefits of these services, it becomes clear why they are considered important in supporting member independence:

• Enhancing Comfort and Convenience: In-home caregiving services bring care and support services directly to the member’s doorstep, reducing hospitalizations and/or extended stays in care facilities. This convenience factor enhances the member’s comfort, allowing them to maintain their daily routines and independence.
• Personalized Care Tailored to Individual Needs: A wide range of service offerings can be delivered to provide personalized experiences for each member’s unique health goals and needs. From assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to companionship, these services are designed to address specific needs, empowering members to maintain their independence while receiving necessary support.
• Preventing Hospital Readmissions: Timely and comprehensive in-home caregiving can reduce the risk of hospital readmissions among MA plan members. By closely monitoring members’ health conditions and providing proactive interventions, such as medication management and post-discharge follow-up visits, in-home caregiving services help prevent complications and promote recovery in the comfort of the member’s home.
• Promoting Independence: For many older adults, aging in place—remaining in their own homes as they grow older—is ideal. In-home caregiving services offered by MA plans play a crucial role in making this goal achievable by providing the necessary support and assistance to help members maintain their independence and quality of life as they age.
• Supporting Family Caregivers: In addition to benefiting members, in-home caregiving services offered by MA plans also support family caregivers. Providing professional assistance and respite care alleviates the burden on family members, enabling them to better balance their caregiving responsibilities with other responsibilities and aspects of their lives.

Investing in Member Independence

Overall, in-home caregiving services offered by Medicare Advantage plans are instrumental in promoting member independence, enhancing quality of life, and preventing unnecessary healthcare utilization. By delivering personalized, convenient, and comprehensive care in the comfort of members’ homes, these services empower individuals to live on their own terms while receiving the support they need. As the long-term care landscape continues to evolve, the importance of in-home caregiving services in MA plans cannot be overstated—they are truly a cornerstone of member-centered care.