177792 Medicare Modernization implementation for Southeastern Virginia: Comparison of Medicare beneficiaries' experiences for Open Enrollment 2007 and 2008

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Ann Marie Kopitzke, BBA, MPA, PhDabd , College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Jacqueline Sharpe, BSN, MSN, PhD , School of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Objective: The purpose of this study is the ongoing assessment of Medicare beneficiaries' experiences with Part D and Extra Help in Southeastern Virginia (FY 2007 & FY2008 OEP).

Research Questions and Hypotheses: To what extent do Medicare beneficiaries switch plans during OEP? What factors influence decisions to switch Part D plans? What problems have Medicare beneficiaries encountered with Part D?

Research Design and Methods: Medicare beneficiaries were interviewed (face-to-face/ telephone) for Part D enrollment and LIS assistance.

Results: Fewer Medicare beneficiaries contacted SSSEVA for 2008 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) than for 2007 (1567 versus 1607). The majority (93% for 2007 and 96% for 2008) did not switch plans. Increasingly Creditable Coverage is lost for those turning 65 years old who and become Medicare eligible. 27% enrolled for 2007 with 19% enrolling for 2008 OEP.

Conclusion: Plan switches occurred infrequently with the majority of Medicare beneficiaries remaining in plans despite prior plan problems or savings potential of plan switches due to confusion about the complexity of enrollment decisions.

Implications: Aging into Medicare affects Creditable Coverage status and often new Medicare beneficiaries' are required to select Part D plans as employer plans eliminate coverage for retirees. Education and enrollment assistance are necessary to minimize plan choice confusion.

Learning Objectives:
1. Assess current Medicare Modernization education efforts for Part D and Extra Help (LIS). 2. Recognize potential barriers to prescription drug access for Medicare beneficiaries. 3. Discuss possible strategies to minimize confusion for new Medicare beneficiaries in accessing the prescription drug benefit.

Keywords: Medicare, Frail Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working with MMA 2003 implementation efforts since October 2004 and currently am assisting Medicare beneficiaries with education and enrollment.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Planning and Policy in Public Health and Aging
See more of: Gerontological Health