Narrow Networks and Coverage Changes Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries With Cancer

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Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries with newly diagnosed cancer are more likely to disenroll from plans with narrow hospital networks.
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In 2023, enrollment in MA plans surpassed traditional Medicare enrollment for the first time, highlighting a shift in beneficiary preferences.
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Nearly half of MA beneficiaries were in plans with fewer than 25% of local cancer hospitals, with higher enrollment among Black and dual-eligible beneficiaries.
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Switching rates among beneficiaries in non-employer-sponsored MA plans with narrow networks were significantly higher compared to those in employer-sponsored plans.
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Structural barriers, such as medical underwriting for Medigap coverage, deter beneficiaries from switching from MA to traditional Medicare despite access issues.

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