Characteristics and Benefit Design of Veteran Medicare Advantage Affinity Plans
This study found that MA insurers-specifically VMAPs-engaged in targeted marketing to veterans, offering $0 premiums, cash back benefits, and supplemental benefits. However, nearly all VMAPs excluded Medicare Part D, likely designed to attract veteran enrollees who use VHA care, making them low-cost enrollees to the plan. Since the VHA cannot bill plans for Medicare-covered services, VMAPs may be increasing wasteful federal spending.
Authors
- Austin B. Frakt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0795-5462)
- Yanlei Ma
- Steven D. Pizer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4908-5976)
- José F. Figueroa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3811-257X)
- Melissa M. Garrido (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8986-3536)
- Thomas C. Tsai (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9183-016X)
- Paul Shafer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0654-5821)
- Allison Dorneo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0307-3853)
Institutions
- Boston University (US)
- Brigham and Women's Hospital (US)
- Harvard University (US)
- VA Boston Healthcare System (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- JAMA Health Forum
- Published
- 2025-03-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2025.0159
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Healthcare Policy and Management
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 15.66