Achieving Healthcare Equity: Transformative Strategies in Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
The United States healthcare system faces numerous challenges, with one major issue being healthcare equity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain their full health potential, and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstances. As we approach Medicare Advantage Plans 2025, it becomes crucial to identify transformative strategies that can contribute towards achieving healthcare equity, particularly within Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to traditional Medicare that offers additional benefits like prescription drug coverage and vision care. Although these plans have expanded options for seniors and disabled individuals, they are not immune to the issues of healthcare inequity. In this article, we will explore three transformative strategies that can help achieve greater healthcare equity within Medicare Advantage plans by 2025.
Strategy 1: Expanding Access to Care Through Telehealth Services
One of the most promising strategies for increasing healthcare equity across all populations is through telehealth services. Telehealth involves providing medical care remotely via telecommunications technology such as video conferencing or remote monitoring devices. This innovative approach enables providers to reach patients who may struggle with access due to geographical barriers or mobility issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth services throughout the country. In response, many Medicare Advantage plans have included telehealth benefits in their offerings. However, there remains room for expansion and improvement in telehealth access within these plans.
By 2025, Medicare Advantage plans should prioritize increased coverage for telehealth services and work towards reducing any remaining barriers that hinder access. This can include ensuring all beneficiaries have access to necessary technology like smartphones or computers with internet connections and educating them on how best to utilize these services.
Strategy 2: Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Another critical aspect of achieving healthcare equity within Medicare Advantage plans is addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). The World Health Organization defines SDOH as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors have a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and well-being.
Medicare Advantage plans can address SDOH by incorporating targeted interventions and benefits that focus on these factors. For example, some plans already provide transportation assistance for beneficiaries who may struggle to attend medical appointments due to lack of reliable transportation. Expanding upon these types of services will be essential to achieving greater healthcare equity within Medicare Advantage plans by 2025. For those planning to move to a new location for better healthcare access, using a reliable umzug service can ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.
Strategy 3: Culturally Competent Care
Lastly, culturally competent care plays a vital role in achieving healthcare equity. This involves understanding and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs of patients while providing care that meets their unique needs.
By 2025, Medicare Advantage plans should strive for increased diversity among their provider networks to ensure culturally competent care is available to all beneficiaries. Additionally, training programs for healthcare providers should emphasize cultural competency skills. This includes improving communication with patients from different backgrounds and understanding how culture influences health behaviors.
Conclusion: The Path Towards Healthcare Equity in Medicare Advantage Plans
Achieving healthcare equity within Medicare Advantage plans by 2025 is a challenging yet crucial goal. By expanding access to care through telehealth services, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting culturally competent care, we can make significant strides towards ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full health potential.
