Two Studies published in JAMA this month assess the effectiveness of the Medicare Part D program. There are several highlights and the media coverage was extensive, but there are a couple of points that are interesting:
36% of beneficiaries reported that the benefit went into effect that they still changed their behavior in some way because of drug costs...including switching to a cheaper drug, not refilling an Rx or having overall financial burdens. A majority of media coverage implied that this is a negative, but it could also be considered a positive. Certainly nobody wants any senior to have to skip their medications, but the idea that some seniors are exploring cost saving alternatives is important. Employers are spending a small fortune on wellness programs, trying to get employees to participate in their healthcare. Reviewing your medicine cabinet for lower cost alternatives is not a bad thing.
About 60% of beneficiaries were not aware their drug plans had a coverage gap (the "Donut Hole"). Study authors claim that the coverage gap is complicated and difficult to navigate. However, technology such as DestinationRx's drug price comparison tool does exist to make the process as easy as possible. Further, the quantity and quality of information available to seniors about the Donut Hole is staggering. A DestinationRx study on the subject, initiated in 2006, has shown that the vast majority of seniors could avoid the Donut Hole by optimizing their medicine cabinet. In 2006, for example, the average senior with osteoarthritis, GERD, high cholesterol, and hypertension would save an average of 87%, or $3,793.80 annually when optimizing their drugs using the DestinationRx tool.
In a society where traditional health insurance coverage is no longer the norm, it will require public education and awareness, use of available technologies, and an overall shift in consumer behavior to make Medicare Part D a success.
