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
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
Satisfaction of enrollees and reasons
Rating of benefit features
Intent to compare 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.
Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage?
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%
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
“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
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
“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
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
Satisfaction is high across demographic groups.
Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage?
18 |
8%
14%
13%
12%
13%
87%
86%
86%
87%
86%
Non-Caucasian
Caucasian
Women
Men
All Seniors withMedicare Rx
Satisfied Not satisfied
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
The vast majority of beneficiaries with low incomes, dual-
eligibles, and people living with a disability are satisfied.
Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage?
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
Satisfied Not satisfied
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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%
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
Those with low monthly costs and those who take 5 or fewer
prescriptions are the most satisfied.
Overall, how satisfied are you with your prescription drug coverage?
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
Satisfied Not satisfied
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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 |
Base (N=523): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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.
IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : How well has your prescription drug plan worked for you?
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
How Well Prescription Plans Work
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
IF RECEIVED MEDICINES THROUGH PLAN : How well has your prescription drug plan worked for you?
How Well Prescription Plans Work
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
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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 |
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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.
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.
29 |
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
10%
12%
10%
16%
52%
22%
68%
Don’t know/refused
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 |
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.
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%
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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?
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
“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%
Don’t know/refused
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%
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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%
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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.
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
1%
14%
11%
31%
43%
25%
74%
Don’t know/refused
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 |
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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=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
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
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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?
Base: (N=601) Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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%
Base (N=601): Those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (stand-alone or Medicare Advantage)
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
733 10th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
KRCresearch.com