MA Dental Plan Enrollment And Generosity Increased, But Continuity Of Coverage Declined, 2010-25

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Gerontology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Medicare Advantage (MA) is a primary source of dental coverage for US seniors.
• Limited understanding exists regarding enrollment trends, benefit scope, and long-term availability of dental coverage within MA plans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze county-level variations in dental plan enrollment, benefit generosity, and continuity within Medicare Advantage and MA Special Needs Plans (SNPs) from 2010 to 2025.
• To identify factors influencing the availability and sustainability of dental benefits in MA plans.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Plan Benefit Package and enrollment data.
• Examined trends in dental benefit enrollment and availability across conventional MA plans and MA SNPs.
• Assessed benefit generosity and plan continuity for continuously available plans.

Main Results:

• Enrollment in MA plans with dental benefits surged from 50.3% (2010) to 97.1% (2025) for conventional plans and 68.6% to 93.5% for SNPs.
• Benefit generosity increased post-2019, but plan continuity declined post-2021 due to insurer exits and benefit withdrawals.
• Insurers offering dental benefits were more likely to exit counties with higher minority populations, dental Health Professional Shortage Areas, and moderate social deprivation.

Conclusions:

• While MA dental coverage is widespread, its continuity and equitable distribution are threatened.
• Declines in plan continuity and insurer exits disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
• Enhanced oversight and targeted strategies are crucial for ensuring sustained and equitable dental coverage access for all Medicare beneficiaries.