Simplifying Care: How Reducing Administrative Burden Gives Patients More Time

Despite advances in technology, many patients—particularly dual-eligible individuals—still spend excessive time dealing with paperwork, phone calls, and coordination across providers. The piece cites Kaiser Family Foundation figures that illustrate poorer health status among dual-eligible beneficiaries. It points to Medicare Advantage plans that now cover supplemental services like transport, post-discharge meals, and grocery allowances, which help patients focus on recovery rather than logistics.

Elevance Health data reveal that a large share of dual-eligible members use at least one such benefit, with notable improvements in annual visit completion and chronic-disease control. The author calls for simpler enrollment, stronger care coordination, and clearer benefit communication to give people back the time they need for health. Ultimately, reducing friction in the system is framed as a vital, patient-centered benefit.