On April 5, 2023, CMS provided additional information on the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (“MA VBID”) Model extensions. These Medicare Advantage plans offer beneficiaries alternatives to original Medicare with extra coverage through supplemental benefits. These benefits can include vision, hearing, dental, or prescription drug coverage. Goals of the MA VBID include removing obstacles such as financial strain, limited access to healthy food or transportation, and/or any unmanaged chronic health conditions. The MA VBID will be extended for calendar years 2025 through 2030. Further, the 2024 MA VBID model will seek to add the following Model Components: wellness and healthcare planning; flexibilities for select enrollees targeted by condition; part C & D rewards/incentives; and a hospice benefit.
Around fifty-two Medicare Advantage organizations covering over 9.3 million enrollees participate in this year’s VDIB model. This number will likely continue to grow and expand over the model’s extension period with a continuing effort from CMS to reduce costs while increasing quality and care coordination for patients.