Most Medicare Beneficiaries Satisfied With Drug Benefit
Eight-two percent of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the program's prescription drug benefit are satisfied with their coverage, according to a survey released on Thursday by the Medicare Rx Education Network, a coalition of 80 organizations that support the drug benefit, Cox/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (Lipman, Cox/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9/15). According to the survey, 73% of respondents say their Medicare drug plans cover the medications they need and nearly one-third say they no longer need to skip or reduce their medications. The survey also finds that:
- One-fourth of respondents say they have not saved money under the drug benefit;
- 29% of respondents say they are frustrated with the program;
- Almost half of respondents are not aware of the so-called "doughnut hole," or gap in drug coverage;
- Eight in 10 respondents are not aware that they can enroll in a drug plan that offers coverage during the doughnut hole (Carey, CQ HealthBeat, 9/14);
- Three-fourths of respondents do not plan to switch drug plans during the upcoming open enrollment period from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31; and
- 10% of respondents plan to switch plans during the open enrollment period (Cox/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9/15).