Unused Benefits: Agents are Key to Making the Most of Medicare Advantage Plans

This year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) had planned to require Medicare Advantage (MA) carriers to send midyear reminders to beneficiaries who hadn’t used their supplemental benefits. Initially slated for July 2025, those notices have been delayed until mid-2026 after insurers argued that they needed more time to track benefit usage accurately.

Key takeaways

1. 1. CMS delayed implementing midyear supplemental benefit reminder notices until 2026, leaving a gap in outreach.
   2. Supplemental benefits are widely available but often underused, with around 30% of MA enrollees reporting zero usage last year.
   3. Agents who proactively educate and guide consumers can help turn unused benefits into real value and lasting trust.