Seniors Opinions About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage 9 th Year Update July 2014
Table of Contents 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 Page 2
Method
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. Seniors Seniors with Medicare 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.) VA coverage 3% Employer 7% MA PD Medicare Advantage Plan 24% Other 12% No coverage 12% PDP - Stand Alone Plan 42% Medicare Part D 66% 4
Method Tracking is based on identical questions asked 12 times since the program was launched in 2006. Interview dates Source and Sample Sample # of interviews MOE total sample (pps) Key questions Mar. 2006 Mar. 15 to 20 Sept. 2006 Sept. 1 to 7 Jan. 2007 Jan. 5 to 9 Sept. 2007 Sept. 8 to 16 Sept. 2008 Sept. 16 to 22 Mar. 2009 Mar. 19 to 25 Oct. 2009 Oct. 16 to 25 KRC Research Aug. 2010 Aug. 26 to 29 Seniors 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Oct. 2011 Oct. 3 to 6 Sept. 2012 Aug. 31 to Sept. 10 Aug. 2013 July 22 to Aug. 4 896 802 1,003 1,001 1,007 1,063 945 1,243 992 2,363 2,274 1,619 +3.3 +3.5 +3.1 +3.1 +3.1 +3 +3.2 +2.8 +3.1 +2.0 +2.1 +2.4 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 Satisfaction of enrollees Attitudes and outcomes from the second enrollment period Satisfaction of enrollees Aware of low-income subsidy Likelihood to change plans Satisfaction of enrollees Advice to other seniors Likelihood to change plans Satisfaction of enrollees Rating of benefit features Satisfaction of enrollees Aware of coverage gap Opinions of coverage gap proposal Satisfaction of enrollees Aware of and opinions about coverage gap Intent to compare plans during annual enrollment Satisfaction of enrollees and reasons Rating of benefit features Intent to compare plans Recent news about Medicare drug benefits Satisfaction of enrollees and reasons Rating of benefit features Intent to compare plans Recent news about Medicare drug benefits Satisfaction of enrollees and reasons Rating of benefit features Intent to compare plans Important information for comparing plans July 2014 Jun. 25 to July 6 Satisfaction of enrollees and reasons Rating of benefit features Intent to compare plans Important information for comparing plans 5
Snapshot of our Sample of Seniors with Medicare Part D Plans Percentages Gender Male 44 Female 56 Northeast 18 Population Density Large City 17 Suburban Area 22 Small Town 34 Region South 35 Midwest 25 Rural Area 25 Take prescriptions daily 89 Race/ Ethnicity Age West 21 Caucasian 82 African American 9 Asian/Pacific Islander American Indian/Native Hispanic/Latino 7 65-74 50 75+ 50 1 2 Other Spend over $30 p/month on premium Spend over $50 p/month out-of-pocket Have difficulty paying for prescriptions 38 34 13 Have disability 29 Have chronic condition 72 Take more than 10 scripts 9 6
Executive Summary
Executive Summary 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 o Satisfaction crosses all demographic groups and political party lines. 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%). 8
Executive Summary 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. 9
Detailed Findings
Satisfaction with Medicare
Nearly all seniors continue to be satisfied with Medicare. Over 90% of seniors are satisfied with Medicare, with 6 in 10 very satisfied. Satisfaction with Medicare SATISFIED 92% NOT SATISFIED 6% Very satisfied 59% Somewhat satisfied 33% Not too satisfied Not at all satisfied Don't know 4% 2% 2% Overall, how satisfied are you with your Medicare health care coverage these days? Base: (N=1,619) Total Seniors 65+ with Medicare 12
Satisfaction with Medicare Part D
Seniors are also satisfied with their prescription drug plans. 86% of seniors are satisfied with Medicare Part D 57% are very satisfied. Satisfaction with Medicare Prescription Plans SATISFIED 86% NOT SATISFIED 13% Very satisfied 57% Somewhat satisfied 29% Not too satisfied Not at all satisfied Don't know 1% 5% 8% Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 14
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%. Somewhat Satisfied 78% 83% 28% 36% 81% 44% 89% 90% 88% 84% 29% 27% 29% 29% 84% 88% 31% 36% 90% 90% 31% 31% 86% 29% Very Satisfied 50% 47% 37% 60% 63% 55% 59% 53% 52% 59% 59% 57% Mar. 2006 Sept. 2006 Jan. 2007 Sept. 2007 Sept. 2008 Mar. 2009 Oct. 2009 Aug. 2010 Oct. 2011 Aug. 2012 Aug. 2013 Jul. 2014 Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 15
Reasonable cost is the primary reason seniors are satisfied with Medicare prescription drug coverage (unaided). 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. The cost is reasonable and everything is done through the mail. The price is right, I get what I want. Main Reasons Satisfied (86%) Cost is reasonable 32% Works well, convenient 24% Coverage is good 14% It s not costing a whole lot of money. Some prescriptions are no charge. I get what I need, when I need it, and it doesn t cost a lot. I think it s excellent coverage and I pay a reasonable amount. What are the main reasons you re satisfied? Asked of those who were satisfied Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 16
Those who are not satisfied (13%) most often say their costs are too high or their coverage is too limited (unaided). There are some pills I get that are very expensive and they only pay for part of the costs. The plan I have is to take generics and I m still paying large amounts. It costs too much. It doesn t cover enough of the costs Number one is irregular coverage. Main Reasons Not Satisfied (13%) Costs are too high Coverage is limited 13% 20% 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. What are the main reasons you re not satisfied? - Asked of those who were not satisfied Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 17
Satisfaction is high across demographic groups. Satisfied Not satisfied All Seniors with Medicare Rx Men Women Caucasian Non-Caucasian 13% 12% 13% 14% 8% 86% 87% 86% 86% 87% Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 18
The vast majority of beneficiaries with low incomes, dualeligibles, and people living with a disability are satisfied. Dual eligibles express the highest levels of satisfaction. Satisfied Not satisfied All Seniors with Medicare Rx Less than $15K Dual eligibles People with a disability Chronic conditions <$50 out of pocket expenses 13% 8% 1% 19% 13% 6% 86% 92% 95% 81% 87% 93% Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 19
Plan Satisfaction crosses political parties. Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Republican 53% 30% 83% Democrat 63% 26% 89% Independent 50% 31% 81% 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? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 20
Those with low monthly costs and those who take 5 or fewer prescriptions are the most satisfied. Satisfied Not satisfied All Seniors with Medicare Rx 13% Take prescriptions 1-5 10% Take prescriptions 6+ 18% Stand-alone premium <$30 p/month 12% Stand-alone premium $31-50 p/month 24% Stand-alone premium $51+ p/month 21% Spend <$50 out-of-pocket p/month 6% Spend $50+ out-of-pocket p/month 24% 86% 90% 82% 87% 76% 79% 93% 76% Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 21
Nearly all (95%) say their plans work well over 7 in 10 say they work very well. More than 7 in 10 say their plans work very well. How Well Prescription Drug Plan Has Worked For Those Who Received Medicines 86% Very well 73% 95% Somewhat well 22% received medicines through their Medicare prescription drug plans. Not too well Not very well at all 3% 2% 5% 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? Base (N=523): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 22
Both PDP and MA-PD plans perform at high levels. How Well Prescription Plans Work Somewhat well 93% 20% 90% 27% 94% 93% 27% 26% 95% 95% 25% 22% 24% 97% 97% 94% 95% 24% 28% 24% 27% 97% 97% 95% 30% 27% 98% 96% 23% 24% 97% 20% Very well 73% 63% 67% 67% 70% 73% 73% 70% 69% 72% 70% 65% 70% 75% 72% 77% Sept. 2008 Mar. 2009 Oct. Aug. 2009 2010 PDP Oct. Aug. Aug. 2011 2012 2013 Jul. 2014 Sept. 2008 Mar. 2009 Oct. Aug. 2009 2010 Oct. Aug. Aug. 2011 2012 2013 MA-PD Jul. 2014 IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : How well has your prescription drug plan worked for you? Base (N=523): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 23
Prescription plans have been working very well for many years. How Well Prescription Plans Work Works well (very + somewhat) 87% 92% 93% 94% 95% 94% 95% 94% 95% 96% 97% 95% Works very well 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 IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : How well has your prescription drug plan worked for you? Base (N=523): Medicare drug plan enrollees who received medicines through plan 24
All demographic and special needs groups agree their Medicare drug plans work well. How Well Prescription Plans Work 94% 96% 95% 92% 97% 95% 95% 98% 94% 92% 94% 91% Age Income Gender Education Special Needs IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : How well has your prescription drug plan worked for you? Base(N=523) : Medicare drug plan enrollees who received medicines through plan 25
The large majority say their plans offer good value, affordable premiums and co-pays, and cover their medicines. Dimensions of Plan Satisfaction Strongly agree Somewhat agree Plan is convenient to use 74% 19% 93% Understand how plan works 65% 27% 92% Plan works well 70% 21% 91% Plan has good customer service 71% 19% 90% Plan offers good value 59% 27% 86% Co-pays are affordable 59% 27% 86% Monthly premium is affordable 60% 25% 85% Plan is predictable 58% 26% 84% Total out of pocket costs are reasonable 54% 27% 81% Plan covers all the medicines 60% 18% 78% 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. Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 26
All dimensions of satisfaction have consistently received high ratings since the program started. Dimensions of Plan Satisfaction: Percent Agree 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 93% 89% 92% 88% 90% 85% 86% 82% 85% 82% 81% 79% 78% 72% 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. Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 27
9 in 10 say Medicare drug plans are delivering on their promise. My Medicare drug plan is delivering what it said it would when I enrolled Agree 89% Disagree 8% Strongly agree 69% Somewhat agree 20% Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don t know/refused 4% 4% 3% 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. Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 28
Nearly 7 in 10 agree they are better off with a Medicare prescription drug plan than before they had one. Overall, I am better off now than before I had Medicare prescription drug coverage Agree 68% Disagree 22% Strongly agree 52% Somewhat agree 16% Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don t know/refused 10% 12% 10% 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. Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 29
Most seniors with prescription drug plans are enjoying health and financial benefits. 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. Strongly agree Somewhat agree Without my Medicare Rx, my out-ofpocket Rx drug costs would be much higher 80% 10% 90% Without my Medicare Rx, I would be unable to fill all of the prescriptions my doctor prescribes 48% 18% 66% Without my Medicare Rx, I would be more likely to cut back or stop taking my medicine 46% 16% 62% 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. Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 30
Most seniors with prescription drug plans are enjoying emotional benefits of having coverage that works for them. Those Saying A great deal or Some 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 Feel peace of mind Feel frustrated with my coverage Feel nervous about my coverage N/A N/A N/A 96 97 93 95 94 95 95 97 95 78 82 83 94 97 91 93 94 95 94 96 95 33 35 35 28 22 26 30 27 32 24 26 27 28 26 25 19 23 23 27 27 25 25 24 23 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 Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 31
2015 Open Enrollment
9 in 10 enrollees would recommend Medicare drug coverage to their peers. Would you tell someone considering Medicare prescription drug coverage to sign up, or not? 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? Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 33
Overall, 41% are likely to shop around during this year s Open Enrollment up 6 points from last year. Likelihood to Shop & Compare Plans Likely 41% Not likely 58% Very likely Somewhat likely Not too likely 17% 21% 20% Not at all likely 41% Don t know/refused 2% 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? Base(N=787): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) and those who have no drug coverage 34
Those already enrolled in a Medicare drug plan are more likely to shop around than those without drug coverage. 42% of people with plans are likely to shop this year up 7 points from last year. Likelihood to Shop & Compare Plans 42% Somewhat likely 19% 31% 20% Very likely 23% With Rx Plans (N=601) 11% Without Rx Plans (N=186) 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? Base(N=787): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) and those who have no drug coverage 35
The main reason seniors say they don t shop around is because they are satisfied with their current plan. Reasons for Not Shopping Around This Year I m satisfied with my current plan. 95% I m not confident that I would make a better choice than the plan I have now. 56% I find it too difficult to sort through plan information. 42% Most plans are about the same so there is no reason to compare them. 40% 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. Base (N=339): Those not likely to shop around and compare Medicare health or drug plans during open enrollment 36
Cost, coverage, and pharmacies are most important to seniors when choosing the right plan for them. Importance of Information When Comparing Plans Very important Somewhat important The pharmacies where you can use to get your medicines 72% 18% 90% The co-pays or co-insurance amounts 70% 19% 89% The monthly premium 74% 14% 88% Coverage information, including what drugs are covered and at which level or tier they are covered 72% 16% 88% Information about customer service 56% 26% 82% Information about the quality of the plan, such as quality ratings published by Medicare 51% 29% 80% Information about personal experiences with a plan from family and friends 29% 32% 61% 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. Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 37
Since first enrolling in a plan, just over 4 in 10 have shopped around and compared plans. Most have not. 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 Yes, compared plans 42% No, have not 57% 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% Not sure 1% Since you first enrolled in your Medicare prescription drug plan, have you ever shopped around and compared plans? Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 38
Almost 4 in 10 have switched plans since first enrolling. Of those, 8 in 10 said it was not difficult to switch. 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 Not sure 1% Very difficult 5% No, never switched plans 63% Yes, switched plans 36% Somewhat difficult Not too difficult 13% 15% 18% 81% Not at all difficult 66% 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? Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) Base (N=222): Those who have switched plans 39
Most seniors who switched plans did so because they found a plan with lower costs and better coverage Reasons for Switching Plans I found a plan that costs less 47% I found a plan that provides better coverage 31% I found a plan with better customer service 8% Another reason 13% Not sure 1% IF SWITCHED PLAN : I m going to read you a few reasons people switch plans which one is the primary reason you switched plans? Base (N=222): Those who have switched from one plan to another 40
Among the 12% without drug coverage, the main reason for not enrolling in a plan is absence of perceived need. Reason for Not Enrolling in a Drug Plan I don t use any or very many prescription medicines 39% My needs are taken care of 22% I can t afford it It wouldn t save me money It s too complicated Not sure 12% 11% 10% 7% 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. Base (N=186) : Those without a prescription coverage plan 41
Three-fourths of beneficiaries say a variety of plan options is important to them. 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. Importance of Plan Variety to Compare & Choose From Important 74% Not important 25% Very important 43% Somewhat important 31% Not too important Not at all important 11% 14% Don t know/refused 1% 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? Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 42
Three-fourths of enrollees find the idea of reducing Medicare plan choices concerning. Only 7% of enrollees are not at all concerned with the idea of fewer drug plan choices. Level of Concern with Fewer Plan Choices Concerned 75% Not concerned 13% Very concerned 49% Somewhat concerned 26% Not too concerned Not at all concerned 6% 7% Not sure 11% 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? Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 43
Information and Knowledge
As of early July, only 1 in 4 had received Medicare drug plan information this year. Half of all information about Medicare prescription drug plans comes from private insurance companies. Received Information Source of Information Not sure 6% Yes, received information 25% NET: Private insurance company NET: Medicare/ government Postal mail 17% 11% 51% No, have not received information 69% AARP Other 11% 36% Don't know 24% 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? Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) Base: (N=155): Those who receive information about Medicare prescription drug plans 45
When making a plan choice, over half get information from their current drug plan provider and the Medicare & You handbook. Used Source of Information for Plan Comparison 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 9% 30% 26% 21% 17% 17% 15% 36% 42% 42% 46% 54% 53% 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. Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 46
Fewer than 1 in 3 know that Medicare offers a Plan Finder and quality ratings for each drug plan. Aware of Plan Finder 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? Don't know 1% Yes 28% Aware of Quality Ratings Did you know that Medicare gives each health and prescription drug plan a quality rating, ranging from one to five stars? Don't know 1% Yes 27% No 71% No 72% Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 47
Almost 1 in 4 are aware of Medicare SHIP counselors; 6 in 10 are aware that some seniors can get additional financial help. Aware of SHIP Counselors Did you know that there are Medicare counselors in your state who you can call or visit to get help in comparing Medicare plans? Aware of Extra Help 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? Don't know 1% No 62% Yes 38% Not aware 36% Aware 63% Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage) 48
Conclusions
Conclusions 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. 50
For more information, contact: Mark David Richards Senior Vice President 1 (202) 230-8767 mrichards@krcresearch.com 733 10th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 KRCresearch.com