Medicare Part D Here and Now

Since its introduction, Medicare Part D has improved some issues surrounding prescription drugs for seniors.  Reports and surveys from 2004 through 2007, approximately 25,000 Medicare beneficiaries were surveyed and the results were positive, for the most part. 

Harvard Medical School analyzed that data from these surveys and found that after the drug benefits were introduced, the number of individuals on Medicare Part D who skipped medication went down by nearly 4%, and the number of individuals who cut back on basic needs, such as food or housing decreased by about 4%, as well.

This is good news.  There has been a negative side, however.  Studies showed that individuals with some of the most serious illnesses and conditions were not affected positively by Medicare Part D, and they have continued skipping doses of medicine and cutting back on basic needs, as well.

Another study published by JAMA stated that even with Medicare Part D, many beneficiaries have changed their behavior and cut back on the number of refills they get or have changed to generics in order to cut costs.  Research has also shown that 60% of all Medicare Part D participants are not aware of the fact that there is a gap in coverage as use of the plan increases.  Cost sharing is involved in Plan D, but is misunderstood by this 60%, some of whom do not realize that there is a gap in coverage at all, or that they will be responsible for a higher amount of costs of prescriptions once they hit a certain amount that has been paid by Medicare Part D to cover those prescriptions.

It is important, then, that everyone on Medicare Part D, or planning to enroll in Part D, research carefully and obtain as much information as possible so that they know what their coverage will be and how it will work.  There are numerous ways to get information.  You can call the 1-800-MEDICARE or log on to www.medicare.gov.

Filed under: Medicare Supplemental Insurances

Tags: , deductibles, disability, General-Medicare, medicaid, part b, part d, payments, social security