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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ann Marie Kopitzke, MPA, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, PO Box 6285, Norfolk, VA 23508, 757-683-5137, amkopitz@odu.edu and Karen A. Karlowicz, EdD, RN, School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Hughes Hall, Room 2085, Norfolk, VA 23529.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study is an examination of the ongoing Medicare Part D education and enrollment efforts to assist Medicare beneficiaries in surmounting the obstacles to enrollment in Part D and Extra Help in the Southeastern region.

Material and Methods: Obstacles (distrust, confusion, misunderstanding of benefits) to enrollment were addressed through ongoing education and enrollment efforts for Extra Help (beginning in July 2005) consisting of community based education and enrollment sessions, telephone interviews, as well as site and home visits. Additionally, Medicare Part D educational efforts included group presentations, media-based information disbursement, and site visits to explain the benefits prior to the November 15th start date including ongoing efforts to educate and enroll beneficiaries for Part D. Pen and paper as well as electronic enrollment methods are utilized. Plan comparisons are provided and beneficiaries initiate enrollment through the local agency on aging, by contacting Medicare or calling the selected plan directly.

Results: As of February 18, 2006, Extra Help education and enrollment efforts assisted approximately 1100 beneficiaries and Part D education and enrollment efforts include approximately 1400 beneficiaries. Additional analysis is ongoing with further bivariate and multivariate results forthcoming.

Conclusions: Despite the obstacles encountered in implementing the Medicare Part D benefit, beneficiaries were aided through education and enrollment sessions to obtain the necessary assistance to enable them to make informed enrollment decisions.

Word Count: 222

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the areas where confusion arises about the Medicare policy changes.
• Develop strategies for overcoming enrollment obtacles for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Discuss longterm implications of policy changes to Medicare.
• Evaluate the lessons learned from current implementation efforts.

Keywords: Medicare/Medicaid, Community Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered