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Medicare Drug Program News
Eight of 10 Senior Citizens Satisfied With Medicare
Part D Drug Program
But only 32% report they no longer skip or reduce
prescribed doses
September 15, 2006 - Eighty-two percent of seniors
enrolled in the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit are satisfied
with their coverage nine months into the program, according to a new
survey commissioned by the Medicare Rx Education Network and conducted
by KRC Research.
The findings of the nationally representative
telephone survey of 802 seniors aged 65 and older are in line with
results from a similar survey conducted by KRC in mid-March, soon after
the Part D benefit began.
Continued high levels of satisfaction are clear
indications that the program is working well for the vast majority of
seniors, says former U.S. Sen. John Breaux, honorary chairman of the
Medicare Rx Education Network. You cant get much better validation of
a program than the endorsement of those who are using it.
Together with this good news, the survey also
sheds light on some of the areas in which seniors need more
information, adds Breaux. As the next enrollment period draws near,
these findings will help the network focus its educational efforts where
the needs are greatest.
Among key results, the survey shows the majority of
seniors in Part D plans reported that they are getting the prescription
medicines they need through their Medicare drug coverage.
● 73 percent said that their stand-alone plan or
Medicare Advantage plan covers all the medicines prescribed by their
doctor.
● 32 percent reported that they no longer need to
skip or reduce prescribed doses now that they are enrolled in a Part D
plan.
● 79 percent said their total out-of-pocket costs
are reasonable. Specifically, they reported that monthly premiums and
co-pays are affordable (81 percent and 78 percent, respectively), and
the majority (61 percent) said they now spend less on medications.
● 69 percent in Part D plans reported that they
are better off now than before they enrolled in the Medicare drug
benefit.
● Nearly all (92 percent) said their plan is
convenient to use, and 87 percent said it offers good customer service.
● Over 75 percent of seniors surveyed were unsure
of the timing of the open-enrollment period.
● Three-quarters (75 percent) said they do not
intend to switch plans, while just over 10 percent said they might
change plans and 13 percent were unsure.
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Comments Gathered by KasierNet.org |
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Outgoing
CMS Administrator Mark
McClellan, who joined Medicare Rx Education Network officials at the
news conference announcing the survey, said some respondents who say
they are not saving money under the drug benefit might not take
prescription medications but purchased policies to protect against
potential future costs.
 "It's a good way to protect themselves in the
future," McClellan said, adding, "What they get is peace of mind."
McClellan said dual eligibles -- individuals eligible for both Medicare
and Medicaid whose prescription drug coverage automatically was
transferred from Medicaid to Medicare when the drug benefit began --
might not be saving money under the program but have improved access to
medications as a result of the benefit.
"We're watching that population very closely," he
said.
Former Sen. John Breaux (D-La.), who helped write
the 2003 Medicare law and current honorary chair of the Medicare Rx
Education Network, said, "Any time you get anywhere near 80% approval
rating for a government program you've hit a home run." He added, "Our
job, of course, is never complete until 100% are satisfied. Giving
people more choices makes it more complicated" (CQ HealthBeat, 9/14).
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As a result of the survey findings, the Medicare Rx
Education Network is focusing its efforts over the next few months to
inform seniors about the open-enrollment period (Nov. 15-Dec. 31), the
options at that time to change plans, and various options to fully or
partially fill the gap, including low-income subsidies.
In addition, the network says it is continuing to
guide seniors to one-on-one help to identify plans that are right for
them, and is holding educational events around the country.
Notes:
The Medicare Rx Education Network provides
information and assistance with outreach and enrollment for the new
Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. The network, which includes
79 national organizations, is chaired by former U.S. Senator John
Breaux. Members share an interest in educating Medicare beneficiaries
about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit and will work closely
with the appropriate federal agencies to obtain up-to-date information
to ensure that information disseminated by the network about Medicare
Part D is factual and accurately conveyed, thereby pre-empting confusion
about the benefit and equipping beneficiaries and their caregivers to
make informed choices. By sharing information with each other about
member organizations independent efforts, collaborating on activities,
and identifying ways to work together, the network aims to eliminate
duplication of efforts and maximize the effectiveness of outreach
efforts. The network does not engage in legislative activities or take
positions on pending legislative or administrative policies related to
the Part D benefit and its implementation.
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