An analysis from the University of Chicago finds that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are staying in hospitals longer and have less access to vital post-acute care services
WASHINGTON (June 17, 2025) — A new study from NORC, a nonpartisan research organization at the University of Chicago, finds that patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to experience longer hospital stays and less likely to receive certain follow-up care than those on Traditional Medicare.
The study, which analyzed data from 2018 to 2022, highlights growing concerns about how Medicare Advantage plans may be limiting access to medically necessary post-acute care services through the use of prior authorization – a process requiring insurers to approve treatment before it is covered. The findings arrive on the heels of a recent Senate report warning that these preapproval practices are delaying or denying critical care to older Americans.
“Every patient deserves timely access to the right care in the right setting, especially after hospitalization,” said Ed Patru, spokesperson, Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare. “These findings raise serious concerns that Medicare Advantage plans are delaying or denying critical follow-up care that helps older adults recover, regain independence, and avoid complications.”
Among the most striking findings: Medicare Advantage patients had hospital stays that were 40% longer on average than those with Traditional Medicare, which comes to seven days versus five. In 2022, Medicare Advantage plans discharged fewer patients to post-acute care settings such as skilled nursing or home health compared to patients covered by Traditional Medicare. These disparities suggest that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are more likely to face delays in recovery and reduced access to essential care following hospitalization.
Post-acute care settings include inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, and home health agencies that offer critical services that help senior patients recover after surgery, illness, or injury. These services play a vital role in helping older adults regain independence, avoid costly hospital re-admissions, and delay or prevent placement in long-term care facilities. When patients are denied access to post-acute care, the result is often worse health outcomes and higher medical costs.
Read the full report HERE.
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About the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare: The Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare was formed to strengthen patients’ access to high-quality healthcare — 24/7/365. We are a community of more than 2 million grassroots advocates who recognize that hospitals and health systems are the heart of 24/7 healthcare for the American people. We make it clear that Washington needs to strengthen 24/7 patient care — not let special interests put it on the chopping block. Learn more: strengthenhealthcare.org