Most MA Beneficiaries Switch From Traditional Medicare, Study Says

A majority of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who enrolled in plans between 2006 and 2011 came to MA from traditional Medicare, according to a study published this month in Health Affairs, The Hill reports.

The study found that:

• 52% of new MA beneficiaries in 2011 came to MA from traditional Medicare, down from 78% in 2006;
• 48% of new Medicare beneficiaries in 2011 enrolled into MA without trying traditional Medicare, up from 22% of new MA beneficiaries in 2006; and
• Individuals in their late 60s moved from traditional Medicare at the highest rate.

The study's findings challenge the theory that an increase in MA enrollment comes mainly from enrollees choosing MA when they first become eligible, according to The Hill (Viebeck, The Hill, 1/5).