Proponents of Medicare Advantage cite lower premiums, built-in prescription drug benefits, and coverage for services not included in government-run Medicare insurance, like dental, vision, and hearing—benefits that are especially important for people with complex health conditions like dementia. Today, more than 34.1 million Americans are beneficiaries.
But does Medicare Advantage deliver better care than traditional Medicare? Three recent studies funded by the National Institute on Aging revealed differences in care for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including a higher rate of dementia diagnoses, longer hospital stays, and more at-home care at the end of life. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the relationship between payment and management rules and the care older adults ultimately receive.
Published on 2026-04-02 by Mark Mather