Researchers recently analyzed Medicare Advantage (MA) and traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries' utilization of vision, dental, and hearing benefits in a cross-sectional study. They found that—despite broader coverage—barriers such as cost-sharing, limited awareness, and network restrictions hinder the use of these supplemental services. MA plans spent more on supplemental benefits than TM, which resulted in overpayments. Addressing overpayments could fund initiatives to increase enrollees' awareness and utilization of unused benefits.

Source: JAMA Open Network