Summary: Nationwide, 283 distinct firms have some form of MA or other prepaid comprehensive contract with Medicare. But while many firms participate in the MA market, offering multiple products, often within the same community, enrollment is heavily concentrated in a few firms, both nationally and in local markets. This situation makes it more likely that the MA choices offered beneficiaries can be streamlined without extensive disruption for current enrollees [...] This Issue Brief considers the case for simplifying beneficiary plan choices in the Medicare Advantage program and analyzes implications of potential options on plan availability and current enrollees. The analysis is based on plans offered in the individual market to all beneficiaries.

Full report: Strategies for Simplifying the Medicare Advantage Market (PDF | 780.94 KB)

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2009). Strategies for Simplifying the Medicare Advantage Market. Gold, M.