LAUSR

Key Points Question How is health insurance literacy associated with coverage choices between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, as well as within Medicare Advantage? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 6627 Medicare beneficiaries, higher health insurance literacy—particularly, annual review and comparison of coverage choices—was associated with higher Medicare Advantage enrollment and choice of low-cost or high-rated Medicare Advantage plans. However, health insurance literacy was low among Medicare beneficiaries with low socioeconomic status. Meaning These findings suggest that policy makers should develop programs to make health insurance information accessible and understandable and to encourage annual review and comparison of coverage options, especially for vulnerable populations.