More than 51% of Medicare patients (30.8 million Americans) are enrolled in a supplemental health plan providing additional coverage and benefits. Medicare Advantage or “Part C” plans, offered by Medicare-approved private companies, face growing competition for members. A recent McKinsey & Company study found that most new members favor rewards programs, and other new or expanded benefits.

“A consumer’s experience plays a large role in a Medicare Advantage plan’s star rating,” said Katie Lavelle, Medline director of business development, Medline health plans business unit. “It’s very difficult though as you consider how best to engage millions of members. Health plans are not the direct care providers, so what can they do to help improve health outcomes and provide a positive member experience?”

To help health plans differentiate themselves, grow their population, enhance the member experience, build loyalty, and reduce overall care costs while improving health outcomes, Medline has enhanced its supplemental benefit offerings. These include a full suite of health benefit solutions, including over-the-counter products, healthy food, hearing devices, and at-home testing to help members screen for the most common conditions in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

“Medline went on a journey to look at what health plans really care about,” said Lavelle. “Our goal is to help them drive efficiency in allowing health plan members to order their supplemental benefits, like personal care and daily living products, from one source and deliver products to where they are.”

Food, personal care and daily living products

As a manufacturer and distributor with a robust national footprint, Medline is well-positioned to lead the charge in this emerging market and deliver products and solutions when and where health plan members need them. A recent milestone in the growth of Medline’s health plans business is the acquisition of United Medco, a national provider and partner of supplemental benefits and member engagement solutions. United Medco focuses on serving the Medicare Advantage, Managed Medicaid and commercial insurance markets.

“This acquisition represents an important step for Medline as we strengthen our health plans business and advance our goal of becoming a premier provider of supplemental and value-added benefits,” said Zach Pocklington, senior vice president of homecare, Medline. “We welcome United Medco to the Medline family and look forward to advancing our shared commitment of providing superior customer service and optimal member experience.”

Medline also introduced a Food Benefit Solution allowing Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid Organizations to offer locally sourced fresh produce, healthy groceries and prepared meals—delivered directly to member homes—as an added supplemental benefit. Members can select from produce boxes, grocery boxes and prepared foods.

“Food is an attractive, cost-effective benefit that addresses social determinants of health—environmental conditions that impact people’s health, well-being and quality of life,” said Lavelle.

Learn more about Medline’s member engagement solutions for health plans.