Medicare Advantage Plans Expand Non-Medical Benefits in 2025

How Non-Medical Benefits Are Reshaping Senior Health

Summary: In 2025, Medicare Advantage plans are broadening their scope to include non-medical benefits aimed at enhancing overall wellness. These supplemental benefits address social determinants of health by offering services such as meal delivery, transportation assistance, and home safety modifications. The goal is to support seniors in maintaining independence and improving quality of life.

A New Chapter in Senior Care

In 2025, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are broadening their horizons beyond traditional medical services. Recognizing the pivotal role of social determinants in health outcomes, these plans are now integrating non-medical benefits aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of seniors. Services such as meal delivery, transportation assistance, and home safety modifications are becoming integral components of MA offerings, reflecting a holistic approach to healthcare.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), these supplemental benefits are designed to address unmet social needs, such as food insecurity and inadequate access to transportation. This shift underscores a growing recognition that factors outside the clinical setting significantly influence health outcomes.

The Rise of Supplemental Benefits

The expansion of non-medical benefits in MA plans is not merely a trend but a response to the evolving needs of the aging population. For instance, the National Council on Aging highlights that services like meal delivery and transportation assistance are crucial in ensuring seniors maintain independence and avoid hospital readmissions.

However, it’s noteworthy that while the inclusion of these benefits has increased, their utilization remains relatively low. CMS reports that despite the availability of such services, enrollee use is limited, suggesting a need for better awareness and accessibility (CMS 2025 Fact Sheet).

Statistical Snapshot

• Vision, Dental, and Hearing Coverage: Nearly all MA plans (97% or more) continue to offer these benefits according to KFF’s 2025 Medicare Advantage spotlight.

  
  

• Meal Benefits: The share of plans offering meal benefits declined from 72% in 2024 to 65% in 2025 (KFF).

  
  

• Transportation Assistance: Plans offering transportation benefits decreased from 36% in 2024 to 30% in 2025 (KFF).

Addressing Social Determinants of Health

The integration of non-medical benefits in MA plans is a strategic move to tackle social determinants of health (SDOH). By offering services that address issues like food insecurity and lack of transportation, MA plans aim to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. As noted in a CMS fact sheet, these benefits are tailored to meet the needs of chronically ill enrollees, providing customized support to manage their conditions effectively.

Here’s a visual breakdown from ATI Advisory’s report showing the distribution of plans offering various non-medical benefits.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or licensed mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.