Reports say that about 10% of rural members who were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans were reportedly dissatisfied with the care access plans in comparison to just 4.6 % of non-rural beneficiaries. In the year 2010, researchers used Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey to investigate rural and nonrural payee trends in terms of member satisfaction and care access.
- The outcome of the research in the year 2016, which was revealed was unexpected. The coverage in the rural was not only lacking due to limited privileges but also restricted provider networks.
- The research also says that only 2% enrolled shifted to Medicare Advantage plans. But in the later period, it was discerned that almost 10.55 of the rural beneficiaries and 5% of non-rural switched from Medicare advantage to conventional healthcare.
- The researchers wrote that “ our study shows little evidence that rural enrollees were sicker or had higher need than nonrural enrollees in health status. Importantly, our use of self-reported health status is a strength, as it is less likely to be affected by the difference in coding pattern”.
- Most dispositions have a smaller provider network contrasted to traditional Medicare fees for service. While studies have shown that urban Medicare has heightened in its growth the case is not the same in the rural. To expand the plans of MA, new policies should be executed in the rural sectors for the privilege of all.