Health and social needs are inseparable and going without social supports—such as nutrition, transportation, and home care—has long-term implications on the health and wellbeing of older adults. However, Medicare often treats the two as distinct. Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare must evolve to better reflect the real goals and needs of older adults.
Why Medicare and Social Supports Matter
Millions of older adultsstruggle because Medicare coverage often fails to prioritize preventive care and address non-medical needs that directly impact their health. Medicare benefits must reflect what older adults say they need to age safely and independently at home and in their communities.
Focus Areas
We must work to bridge the gap between health and social care by building comprehensive coverage and community-based care systems to meet the daily needs of older adults.
Here’s how we actively work to drive progress in this area:
Chronic Conditions Experienced by Californians with Original Medicare
Dec 2023
California
Medicare Health and Social Supports
This chartbook, “Chronic Conditions Experienced by Californians with Original Medicare in 2021”, is the fifth in a series exploring the demographics, needs, and health care experiences of Californians with Medicare.
Some Medi-Cal benefits are similar to Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits. For dual eligible members, Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits may expand the covered items or services they are eligible to receive.
Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans in California
Sep 2023
California
Medicare Health and Social Supports
This chartbook examines supplemental benefits offered by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in California in contract year 2023. Supplemental benefits are not covered by Traditional Medicare and vary by MA plan.
2027 Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule Comment Letter
Feb 2026
National
Medicare Health and Social Supports, Medicare-Medicaid Integration
As enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) continues to a major part of overall Medicare enrollment, federal policy decisions play an increasingly important role in shaping how older adults access care, understand their coverage, and maintain trusted provider relationships.
“Aging in Place: The Impact of Community During the Holidays” Statement for the Record
Dec 2025
Long-Term Care, Medicare Health and Social Supports, Medicare-Medicaid Integration, Multisector Plans for Aging
The SCAN Foundation appreciates the opportunity to submit this statement for the record in relation to the Committee’s December 3, 2025 hearing, “Aging in Place: The Impact of Community during the Holidays.”
Starting in 2019, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have increasingly offered new nonmedical supplemental benefits like transportation to medical appointments, in-home caregiver visits, and debit cards to help pay for groceries, gas, and utilities.
