December 2009: Rural Medicare Advantage Enrollment Grows 15% in 2009

Date
01/2010
Description

Rural enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) and other prepaid plans grew by 15% from December 2008 to December 2009, faster than the 10% national growth rate. Preferred provider organization plans drove the increased enrollment in MA plans in rural areas in 2009, while private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans continued to dominate the market with over 50% of enrollment. This landscape could change in 2010 as rural Medicare beneficiaries will experience a decline in PFFS availability, as some insurers have announced plans to pull their PFFS plans from the market.

Center
RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
Authors
Leah Kemper, Timothy McBride, Keith Mueller