seniors’ opinions about...

July 2014

Seniors’ Opinions About Medicare

Prescription Drug Coverage 9th Year Update

Table of Contents

Page

Method 3

Executive Summary 7

Detailed Findings 10

Satisfaction with Medicare 11

Satisfaction with Medicare Part D 13

2015 Open Enrollment 32

Information and Knowledge 45

Conclusions 49

2 |

Method

PDP - Stand

Alone Plan 42%

MA – PD Medicare

Advantage Plan 24%

Employer 7%

VA coverage

3%

Other 12%

No coverage

12%

Medicare Part D – 66%

Method

Nationally representative landline telephone sample of 1,619 seniors 65+ conducted June

25–July 6, 2014. The margin of error for the full sample is +2.4 percentage points (pps).

The primary focus of this report is seniors with Medicare Part D.

4 |

• All with prescription drug coverage (N=1,433

MOE is +2.6 pps.)

• All with Medicare Part D coverage (both PDP and

MA-PD plans) (N=601 MOE is +4.0 pps.)

• Medicare PDP (stand-alone) plans

• (N=305 MOE is +5.6 pps.)

• Medicare Advantage (MA-PD) plans

• (N=296 MOE is +5.7 pps.)

• Low income <$15K (N=231 MOE is +7.2 pps.)

• Take 6+ prescriptions (N=198 MOE is +7.0 pps.)

• Have a disability (N=175 MOE is +7.4 pps.)

• Dual eligibility (N=90 MOE is + 10.3 pps.)

• Chronic condition (N=430 MOE is +4.7 pps.)

Seniors with Medicare Seniors

Method

5 |

Tracking is based on identical questions asked 12 times since the program was launched

in 2006.

Mar. 2006

Sept. 2006

Jan. 2007

Sept. 2007

Sept. 2008

Mar. 2009

Oct. 2009

Aug. 2010

Oct. 2011

Sept.

2012

Aug.

2013

July

2014

Interview dates

Mar. 15 to 20

Sept. 1 to 7

Jan. 5 to 9

Sept. 8 to 16

Sept. 16 to 22

Mar. 19 to 25

Oct. 16 to 25

Aug. 26 to 29

Oct. 3 to 6

Aug. 31 to Sept.

10

July 22 to Aug. 4

Jun. 25 to July 6

Source and Sample KRC Research

Sample Seniors 65 and older enrolled in Medicare

# of interviews

896 802 1,003 1,001 1,007 1,063 945 1,243 992 2,363 2,274 1,619

MOE total sample (pps)

+3.3 +3.5 +3.1 +3.1 +3.1 +3 +3.2 +2.8 +3.1 +2.0 +2.1 +2.4

Key questions

Experience of seniors enrolled in a Medicare drug plan

Opinions and information needs of those not enrolled

Satisfaction of enrollees

Aware of upcoming enrollment period and coverage gap

Likelihood to change plans


Attitudes and outcomes from the second enrollment period


Aware of low-income subsidy



Advice to other seniors



Rating of benefit features


Aware of coverage gap

Opinions of coverage gap proposal


Aware of and opinions about coverage gap

Intent to compare plans during annual enrollment

Satisfaction of enrollees and reasons


Intent to compare plans

Recent news about Medicare drug benefits




Recent news about Medicare drug benefits




Important information for comparing plans




Important information for comparing plans

Snapshot of our Sample of Seniors with Medicare Part D Plans

Gender Male 44

Female 56

Region

Northeast 18

South 35

Midwest 25

West 21

Race/

Ethnicity

Caucasian 82

African American 9

Asian/Pacific

Islander 1

American

Indian/Native 2

Hispanic/Latino 7

Age 65-74 50

75+ 50

Population

Density

Large City 17

Suburban Area 22

Small Town 34

Rural Area 25

Other

Take prescriptions daily 89

Spend over $30 p/month

on premium 38

Spend over $50 p/month

out-of-pocket 34

Have difficulty paying for

prescriptions 13

Have disability 29

Have chronic condition 72

Take more than 10 scripts 9

6 |

Percentages

Executive

Summary

Executive Summary

8 |

Medicare Part D continues to deliver on its promise, according to 89% of

seniors with plans.

■ Most seniors (86%) are satisfied with their Medicare prescription drug plans

because most of their prescription needs are met.

o Satisfaction crosses all demographic groups and political party lines.

o Main reasons: cost is reasonable, coverage is good, plans are hassle free.

■ Nearly all who use their drug plans say they work well (95%).

■ Medicare plans are saving seniors money.

o 90% agree that without their Part D coverage, their costs would be much

higher—80% strongly agree.

■ Medicare plans are helping seniors maintain their health.

o Without their Part D plan, 67% would be unable to fill all their prescriptions and

62% would be more likely to cut back or stop taking their medicine.

■ Medicare plans are giving seniors peace of mind.

o 95% feel peace of mind knowing they’re covered—71% a great deal.

■ Seniors highly recommend Medicare drug plans to their peers (90%).

Executive Summary

9 |

Seniors are savvy about the Part D program. Forty-one percent plan to

shop around for plans during open enrollment this year, up from 35% last

year.

■ Seniors who shop around for plans are looking at costs, coverage, pharmacy

availability, and information about the quality of the plan.

o 31% of those without drug coverage expect to shop for a plan this year, but most

without coverage say they don’t need one because they don’t use any or many

prescriptions.

■ Since they enrolled, 42% say they have shopped around. Nearly 4 in 10 have

switched plans—most who switched (81%) said it wasn’t difficult to do.

o Reasons for switching: found a lower-cost plan (47%), got better coverage (31%).

■ Seniors value having a variety of plans to compare and choose. Most find the

idea of fewer plan choices concerning.

■ Seniors get most information from plan providers, Medicare, or a pharmacist.

o 63% are aware of extra financial help from Medicare. However, most seniors

have not heard about Medicare’s Plan Finder (71%) or its plan quality ratings

(72%), and 62% do not know they can get help from SHIP counselors.

Detailed

Findings

Satisfaction with Medicare

2%

2%

4%

33%

59%

6%

92%

Don't know

Not at all satisfied

Not too satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Very satisfied

NOT SATISFIED

SATISFIED

Nearly all seniors continue to be satisfied with Medicare.

Overall, how satisfied are you with your Medicare health care coverage these days?

Over 90% of seniors are satisfied with Medicare, with 6 in 10 very satisfied.

12 |

Base: (N=1,619) Total Seniors 65+ with Medicare

Satisfaction with Medicare

Satisfaction with Medicare Part D

Seniors are also satisfied with their prescription drug plans.

Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage?

86% of seniors are satisfied with Medicare Part D—57% are very satisfied.

14 |

Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)

1%

5%

8%

29%

57%

13%

86%

Don't know

Not at all satisfied

Not too satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Very satisfied

NOT SATISFIED

SATISFIED

Satisfaction with Medicare Prescription Plans

Plan satisfaction has remained at peak levels for many years.


The average level of satisfaction since the program started is 86%, with the peak at 90%

and the low at 78%.

15 |

50% 47% 37%

60% 63% 55% 59%

53% 52% 59% 59% 57%

28% 36% 44%

29% 27%

29% 29%

31% 36% 31% 31%

29%

Mar.2006

Sept.2006

Jan.2007

Sept.2007

Sept.2008

Mar.2009

Oct.2009

Aug.2010

Oct.2011

Aug.2012

Aug.2013

Jul.2014

Somewhat

Satisfied

Very

Satisfied

81% 83%

90% 84%

89% 88% 84%

88%

78%

90% 90% 86%


“I think it’s excellent

coverage and I pay a

reasonable amount.”

“I get what I need, when

I need it, and it doesn’t

cost a lot.”

“It’s not costing a whole

lot of money. Some

prescriptions are no

charge.”

“The price is right, I

get what I want.”

“The cost is

reasonable and

everything is done

through the mail.”

“It pays for all the

prescriptions or

just costs pennies

to buy them - it

covers a lot of the

prescriptions at a

very minimal cost

to me.”

Reasonable cost is the primary reason seniors are satisfied with

Medicare prescription drug coverage (unaided).

What are the main reasons you’re satisfied? – Asked of those who were satisfied

16 |

Main Reasons Satisfied (86%)

32%

24%

14%

Cost is reasonable

Works well, convenient

Coverage is good


“Number one is

irregular coverage.”

“It doesn’t cover

enough of the costs”

“The plan I have is

to take generics

and I’m still paying

large amounts. It

costs too much.”

“There are some

pills I get that are

very expensive and

they only pay for

part of the costs.”

“The rise in prices. We

cannot afford to have

the drug coverage. We

are struggling to keep

the drugs that we have

that work for us.”

“They don’t cover some

drugs that would

otherwise be helpful to

me.”

“I don’t think coverage is

very good.”

Main Reasons Not Satisfied (13%)

Those who are not satisfied (13%) most often say their costs are

too high or their coverage is too limited (unaided).

What are the main reasons you’re not satisfied? - Asked of those who were not satisfied

17 |

20%

13%

Costs are too

high

Coverage is

limited


Satisfaction is high across demographic groups.


18 |

8%

14%

13%

12%

13%

87%

86%

86%

87%

86%

Non-Caucasian

Caucasian

Women

Men

All Seniors withMedicare Rx

Satisfied Not satisfied


The vast majority of beneficiaries with low incomes, dual-

eligibles, and people living with a disability are satisfied.


19 |

6%

13%

19%

1%

8%

13%

93%

87%

81%

95%

92%

86%

<$50 out of pocket expenses

Chronic conditions

People with a disability

Dual eligibles

Less than $15K

All Seniors with Medicare Rx



Dual eligibles express the highest levels of satisfaction.

Plan Satisfaction crosses political parties.

Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage? Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as a Republican,

a Democrat, an independent, or something else? [If independent, other, or don’t know] Do you think of yourself as closer to the

Republican Party or the Democratic Party?

20 |

50%

63%

53%

31%

26%

30%

Independent

Democrat

Republican

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied

81%

89%

83%


Those with low monthly costs and those who take 5 or fewer

prescriptions are the most satisfied.


21 |

24%

6%

21%

24%

12%

18%

10%

13%

76%

93%

79%

76%

87%

82%

90%

86%

Spend $50+ out-of-pocket p/month

Spend <$50 out-of-pocket p/month

Stand-alone premium $51+ p/month

Stand-alone premium $31-50 p/month

Stand-alone premium <$30 p/month

Take prescriptions 6+

Take prescriptions 1-5

All Seniors with Medicare Rx



Nearly all (95%) say their plans work well—over 7 in 10 say they work very well.

IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : And how well has your prescription drug plan worked for you—has it worked very

well, somewhat well, not too well, or not very well at all?

More than 7 in 10 say their plans work very well.

22 |

73%

22%

3%

2%

Very well

Somewhat well

Not too well

Not very well at all

95%

5%

86% received medicines

through their Medicare

prescription drug plans.

How Well Prescription Drug Plan Has Worked For

Those Who Received Medicines

Base (N=523): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)

Both PDP and MA-PD plans perform at high levels.

IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : How well has your prescription drug plan worked for you?

23 |


73% 63% 67% 67% 70% 73% 73% 70% 69% 72% 70%

65% 70%

75% 72% 77%

20%

27% 27% 26%

25% 22% 24% 24% 28% 24% 27%

30% 27%

23% 24%

20%

Sept.2008

Mar.2009

Oct.2009

Aug.2010

Oct.2011

Aug.2012

Aug.2013

Jul.2014

Sept.2008

Mar.2009

Oct.2009

Aug.2010

Oct.2011

Aug.2012

Aug.2013

Jul.2014

94% 90%

95%

Somewhat

well

Very

well

95% 93% 97% 97% 95%

93% 98% 96% 97% 97% 95%

PDP MA-PD

94% 97%

How Well Prescription Plans Work

Prescription plans have been working very well for many years.


24 |

87% 92% 93% 94% 95% 94% 95% 94% 95% 96% 97% 95%

63% 62% 67% 68%

71% 68% 68% 66%

70% 74% 73% 73%

Mar.2006

Sept.2006

Jan.2007

Sept.2007

Sept.2008

Mar.2009

Oct.2009

Aug.2010

Oct.2011

Aug.2012

Aug.2013

Jul.2014

Works well (very + somewhat)

Works very well

Base (N=523): Medicare drug plan enrollees who received medicines through plan


All demographic and special needs groups agree their Medicare

drug plans work well.

25 |

94% 96% 95% 92% 97% 95% 95% 98%

94% 92% 94% 91%

Age Income Gender Education Special Needs

Base(N=523) : Medicare drug plan enrollees who received medicines through plan



The large majority say their plans offer good value, affordable

premiums and co-pays, and cover their medicines.

I’m going to read you some statements that may or may not describe your opinions about your prescription drug plan. For each

one, tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree.

26 |

74%

65%

70%

71%

59%

59%

60%

58%

54%

60%

19%

27%

21%

19%

27%

27%

25%

26%

27%

18%

Plan is convenient to use

Understand how plan works

Plan works well

Plan has good customer service

Plan offers good value

Co-pays are affordable

Monthly premium is affordable

Plan is predictable

Total out of pocket costs are reasonable

Plan covers all the medicines

Strongly agree Somewhat agree


93%

92%

91%

90%

86%

86%

85%

84%

81%

78%

Dimensions of Plan Satisfaction

All dimensions of satisfaction have consistently received high

ratings since the program started.

I’m going to read you some statements that may or may not describe your opinions about your prescription drug plan. For each

one, tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree. If any statement does not apply to

your situation, just say so.

27 |

93%

92%

90%

86%

85%

81%

78%

89%

88%

85%

82%

82%

79%

72%

Plan is convenient to use

Understand how plan works

Plan has good customer service

Co-pays are affordable

Monthly premium is affordable

Total out of pocket costs are reasonable

Plan covers all medicines

July 2014 March 2006


Dimensions of Plan Satisfaction: Percent Agree

3%

4%

4%

20%

69%

8%

89%

Don’t know/refused

Strongly disagree

Somewhat disagree

Somewhat agree

Strongly agree

Disagree

Agree

9 in 10 say Medicare drug plans are delivering on their promise.

28 |


I’m going to read you some statements to hear how you feel about having Medicare prescription drug coverage. For each one,

think about your situation before you had Medicare prescription drug coverage and tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree,

somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree.

“My Medicare drug plan is delivering

what it said it would when I enrolled”

Nearly 7 in 10 agree they are better off with a Medicare

prescription drug plan than before they had one.




29 |


10%

12%

10%

16%

52%

22%

68%


Strongly disagree

Somewhat disagree

Somewhat agree

Strongly agree

Disagree

Agree

“Overall, I am better off now than before

I had Medicare prescription drug coverage”

Most seniors with prescription drug plans are enjoying health

and financial benefits.

30 |




80%

48%

46%

10%

18%

16%

Without my Medicare Rx, my out-of-pocket Rx drug costs would be much

higher

Without my Medicare Rx, I would beunable to fill all of the prescriptions my

doctor prescribes

Without my Medicare Rx, I would be morelikely to cut back or stop taking my

medicine

Strongly agree Somewhat agree

90%

66%


9 in 10 say without Medicare drug coverage their costs would be much higher. Without

Medicare drug coverage, 6 in 10 say they would face difficulties getting prescriptions—

and would be likely to cut back or stop taking their doctor-prescribed medicine.

62%

Most seniors with prescription drug plans are enjoying

emotional benefits of having coverage that works for them.

Mar.

2006

Sept.

2006

Jan.

2007

Sept.

2007

Sept.

2008

Mar.

2009

Oct.

2009

Aug.

2010

Oct.

2011

Aug.

2012

Aug.

2013

July

2014

Feel

fortunate

that I’m

covered

N/A N/A N/A 96 97 93 95 94 95 95 97 95

Feel peace

of mind 78 82 83 94 97 91 93 94 95 94 96 95

Feel

frustrated

with my

coverage

33 35 35 28 22 26 30 27 32 24 26 27

Feel

nervous

about my

coverage

28 26 25 19 23 23 27 27 25 25 24 23

31 |

Those Saying “A great deal” or “Some”

I’m going to read a list of words that may or may not describe how you’re feeling about your prescription drug coverage these days.

For each one, tell me if that describes how you’re feeling a great deal, some, or not at all


2015 Open

Enrollment

9 in 10 enrollees would recommend Medicare drug coverage to

their peers.

33 |

Yes, tell them to sign up

90%

No 5%

Not sure 5%

If you were giving advice to someone who is considering enrolling in Medicare for the first time, would you tell them to sign up for a

Medicare prescription drug plan, or not?


“Would you tell someone considering

Medicare prescription drug coverage to sign up, or not?”

Overall, 41% are likely to shop around during this year’s Open

Enrollment—up 6 points from last year.

This year, open enrollment is from October 15th to December 7th. How likely are you to shop around and compare Medicare

health or prescription drug plans this year—very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?

34 |

Base(N=787): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) and those who have no drug

coverage

2%

41%

17%

20%

21%

58%

41%


Not at all likely

Not too likely

Somewhat likely

Very likely

Not likely

Likely

Likelihood to Shop & Compare Plans

Those already enrolled in a Medicare drug plan are more likely to

shop around than those without drug coverage.

This year, open enrollment is from October 15th to December 7th. How likely are you to shop around and compare Medicare

health or prescription drug plans this year—very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?

35 |

42% of people with plans are likely to shop this year—up 7 points from last year.

23%

11%

19%

20%

With Rx Plans(N=601)

Without Rx Plans(N=186)

Somewhat

likely

Very

likely

42%

31%

Likelihood to Shop & Compare Plans

Base(N=787): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) and those who have no drug

coverage

The main reason seniors say they don’t shop around is because

they are satisfied with their current plan.

IF NOT TOO OR NOT AT ALL LIKELY TO SHOP AROUND AND COMPARE PLANS: I’m going to read you a list. For each one,

tell me if that is a reason you are not likely to shop around and compare plans this year. You can choose more than one reason.

36 |

95%

56%

42%

40%

I’m satisfied with my current plan.

I’m not confident that I would make a better choice than the plan I have now.

I find it too difficult to sort through planinformation.

Most plans are about the same so there is noreason to compare them.

Base (N=339): Those not likely to shop around and compare Medicare health or drug plans during open enrollment

Reasons for Not Shopping Around This Year

Cost, coverage, and pharmacies are most important to seniors

when choosing the right plan for them.

I’m going to read you some information that you may like to look at when you are comparing prescription drug plans to determine

which one is right for you. For each one, tell me how important that is to you personally—very important, somewhat important, not

too important, not at all important.

37 |

72%

70%

74%

72%

56%

51%

29%

18%

19%

14%

16%

26%

29%

32%

The pharmacies where you can use to get yourmedicines

The co-pays or co-insurance amounts

The monthly premium

Coverage information, including what drugs arecovered and at which level or tier they are covered

Information about customer service

Information about the quality of the plan, such asquality ratings published by Medicare

Information about personal experiences with aplan from family and friends

Very important Somewhat important

90%

89%

88%

88%

82%

80%

61%


Importance of Information When Comparing Plans

Since first enrolling in a plan, just over 4 in 10 have shopped

around and compared plans. Most have not.

38 |

Since you first enrolled in your Medicare prescription drug plan, have you ever shopped around and compared plans?

Yes, compar-ed plans

42%

No, have not 57%

Not sure 1%

Those Most Likely

to Have Shopped Around

Not satisfied with drug coverage 61%

Having difficulty paying for Rx 56%

Age 65-74 49%

Received Annual Notice of Change 49%


Those not satisfied with their prescription coverage and those who have difficulty paying

for their prescriptions are the most likely to have shopped around and compared plans.

Compared Plans Since Enrolling

Almost 4 in 10 have switched plans since first enrolling.

Of those, 8 in 10 said it was not difficult to switch.

39 |

Since you first enrolled in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, have you ever switched from one plan to another?

IF SWITCHED PLAN (N=222): How difficult was it for you to switch to a different Medicare prescription drug plan—very difficult,

somewhat difficult, not too difficult, or not at all difficult?

Yes, switched

plans 36%

No, never

switched plans 63%

Not sure 1% 5%

13%

15%

66%

Very difficult

Somewhatdifficult

Not too difficult

Not at all difficult


Base (N=222): Those who have switched plans

81%

18%

13% said it was somewhat difficult and 5% said it was very difficult to change their plan—

the same as last year.

Switched Plans Difficulty of Changing Plans

Most seniors who switched plans did so because they found a

plan with lower costs and better coverage

IF SWITCHED PLAN : I’m going to read you a few reasons people switch plans—which one is the primary reason you switched

plans?

40 |

47%

31%

8%

13%

1%

I found a plan that costs less

I found a plan that provides better coverage

I found a plan with better customer service

Another reason

Not sure

Base (N=222): Those who have switched from one plan to another

Reasons for Switching Plans

Among the 12% without drug coverage, the main reason for not

enrolling in a plan is absence of perceived need.

THOSE WITHOUT DRUG COVERAGE : You said you are not enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan. I’m going to read a

list of reasons some seniors give for why they have not enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan. When I finish reading the

list, I’d like you to tell me which one is the main reason you have not enrolled.

41 |

39%

22%

12%

11%

10%

7%

I don’t use any or very many prescription medicines

My needs are taken care of

I can’t afford it

It wouldn’t save me money

It’s too complicated

Not sure

Base (N=186) : Those without a prescription coverage plan

Reason for Not Enrolling in a Drug Plan

Three-fourths of beneficiaries say a variety of plan options is

important to them.

How important is it to you personally to have a variety of plans to compare and choose from — is it very important, somewhat

important, not too important or not at all important?

42 |

74% say a variety of plan options is important to them—up 8 percentage points from

2013. 43% say it is very important—up 4 points.


1%

14%

11%

31%

43%

25%

74%


Not at all important

Not too important

Somewhat important

Very important

Not important

Important

Importance of Plan Variety to Compare & Choose From

Three-fourths of enrollees find the idea of reducing Medicare

plan choices concerning.

One of the key features of Medicare Part D is giving beneficiaries options so they can pick a plan that meets their health care

needs. How concerned would you be if changes were made to reduce the number of choices available to you in Part D? Would

you be very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, not at all concerned— or are you not sure?

43 |


11%

7%

6%

26%

49%

13%

75%

Not sure

Not at all concerned

Not too concerned

Somewhat concerned

Very concerned

Not concerned

Concerned

Only 7% of enrollees are not at all concerned with the idea of fewer drug plan choices.

Level of Concern with Fewer Plan Choices

Information

and

Knowledge

As of early July, only 1 in 4 had received Medicare drug plan

information this year.

45 |

And have you received any information recently about Medicare prescription drug plans?

IF HEARD OR READ SOMETHING: From whom did you receive information about Medicare prescription drug plans?

51%

17%

11%

11%

36%

24%

NET: Privateinsurance company

NET: Medicare/government

Postal mail

AARP

Other

Don't know

Yes, received

information 25%

No, have not

received information

69%

Not sure 6%


Base: (N=155): Those who receive information about Medicare prescription drug plans

Half of all information about Medicare prescription drug plans comes from private

insurance companies.

Received Information Source of Information

When making a plan choice, over half get information from their

current drug plan provider and the Medicare & You handbook.

I’m going to read you a list of places where you could get information or help in comparing and choosing various Medicare health

and prescription drug plans. For each one, tell me if you have ever gone to that source for information to help in comparing

Medicare health or prescription drug plans.

46 |

54%

53%

46%

42%

42%

36%

30%

26%

21%

17%

17%

15%

9%

Your current Medicare prescription drug plan provider

The Medicare & You handbook

Your pharmacist

Family and friends

Your doctor

AARP

Medicare’s toll-free number, 1-800-Medicare

Other Medicare prescription drug plan providers

Another private organization

The Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare.gov

Your state’s health insurance assistance program

Your state’s Office on Aging


Used Source of Information for Plan Comparison

Fewer than 1 in 3 know that Medicare offers a Plan Finder and

quality ratings for each drug plan.

47 |

Yes 28%

No 71%

Don't know 1%

Yes 27%

No 72%

Don't know 1%

Did you know Medicare has a Plan Finder on

the Internet that allows you to compare all

Medicare health and prescription drug plans

that are available in your area?

Did you know that Medicare gives each health

and prescription drug plan a quality rating,

ranging from one to five stars?


Aware of Quality Ratings Aware of Plan Finder

Almost 1 in 4 are aware of Medicare SHIP counselors; 6 in 10

are aware that some seniors can get additional financial help.

48 |

Yes 38%

No 62%


Did you know that there are Medicare

counselors in your state who you can call or

visit to get help in comparing Medicare plans?

Some seniors need extra help paying for their

Medicare prescription drug coverage. Did you

know that seniors with limited resources can get

help paying for part of their monthly premiums,

annual deductibles, and co-payments?

Aware 63%

Not aware 36%

Don't know 1%

Aware of Extra Help Aware of SHIP Counselors

Conclusions

Conclusions

50 |

1. Medicare Part D continues to prove itself a high-successful program—across groups, beneficiaries are largely happy with their coverage. Most report that their plan is—

• Meeting their expectations; • Affordable with reasonable co-pays and covering the medicines they need; • Saving money and giving them access to prescription medicines they might otherwise have

difficulty getting.

2. For these reasons, most beneficiaries with Part D plans recommend that others enroll.

3. A larger number than last year say they will shop around for a new plan during open enrollment this year. Among those who don’t plan to shop around, an overwhelming majority say it is because they are satisfied with their current plan.

4. Beneficiaries value having a variety of plans to compare and choose from—in fact, importance has increased 8 points over the year. Most find the idea of fewer plan choices concerning.

5. Information about plan costs, coverage, pharmacies, and quality are important to seniors when shopping for and comparing plans.

6. Seniors who are considering shopping around this year can take courage—most seniors who switched plans in the past say they found plans with lower costs and better coverage and it wasn’t especially difficult to switch.

7. There is an opportunity to inform beneficiaries that they can get personalized help from State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors and they can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder with 5-star plan quality ratings to shop and compare plans.

For more information, contact:

Mark David Richards

Senior Vice President

1 (202) 230-8767

[email protected]

733 10th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

KRCresearch.com

mailto:[email protected]

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