Health Insurance Providers Actions Concerning Medicare Advantage

• Alignment Healthcare announced an agreement with Instacart to offer co-branded MA plans in 2024, making nutritious food more accessible to seniors with chronic illnesses in 13 counties across California and Nevada. Members with a qualifying chronic condition who enroll in one of these plans will have access to a $50 to $100 quarterly grocery allowances through Instacart, as well as a complimentary Instacart+ membership with free delivery on all orders over $35, among other benefits.

• Cigna Healthcare's Medicare Advantage plans offer access to the Cigna Healthy Today℠ card, which bundles benefits and incentives onto a single card for use at more than 62,000 participating retailers nationwide. Depending on the plan, the card includes wellness incentives, a reward for volunteerism, dollars for over-the-counter health-related items, and an allowance for fitness supplies, utilities, and groceries.

MVP Health Care and The University of Vermont Health Network announced that their Medicare Advantage Plan, called UVM Health Advantage, will include new benefits in 2024 tailorable to each customer’s health needs. UVM Health Advantage offers patients personalized support, including personal guidance, a well-being rewards program, and chronic pain management.

Providence Medicare Advantage Plans has rolled out a host of new benefits aimed at improving the health and well-being of Medicare eligible adults. 2024 coverage features $3,100 to cover dental-related expenses and reduced pharmacy costs — all in a $0 premium plan. Providence spent its first year in the Southern California market learning more about residents’ specific healthcare needs.

UPMC for Life has announced its UPMC for Life PPO Salute Medicare Advantage plan, which works seamlessly with the U.S. military’s TRICARE FOR LIFE and CHAMPVA coverages. The UPMC for Life PPO Salute plan builds upon existing military retirement benefits to better serve retired military members with $0 in monthly premiums and $75 per month ($900 annually) back in their Social Security check. The plan also supports healthier living with the UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card that provides $600 a year to members to spend on over the counter (OTC) products, medical service costs, dental, vision, and hearing services.

• SCAN Health Plan is launching SCAN Inspired, the first Medicare Advantage plan designed by women, for women. Members will have access to a Women’s Health Advocate, a dedicated care professional who will ensure they receive personalized care tailored to their needs, as well as $0 estrogen therapy and high-end fitness facilities, boutique studios, on demand and livestreaming fitness developed for women, among other benefits.