Document Type
Presentation
Loading...
Publication Date
6-28-2024
Abstract
Medicare Part D prescription plan benefits change annually, and yearly re-evaluation and selection is important for reducing out of pocket spending. Despite this, only 29% of Medicare beneficiaries compare their plan options yearly. With the growing number of older adults aging into Medicare, it is important to evaluate the tools that assist seniors in Medicare Part D plan selection in order to optimize the plan selection process for years to come. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched, and 461 unique articles were identified. Following PRISMA guidelines, results were narrowed to 7 articles that evaluated Medicare Part D plan selection tools and included results related to cost, satisfaction and/or knowledge. All four of the studies that evaluated cost or ability to select the lowest cost plan resulted in reduced costs or an increased likelihood of selecting the lowest cost plan. Five of the six studies that evaluated satisfaction saw improvements in satisfaction with the experimental tool compared to CMS Plan Finder. Patient knowledge and understanding had mixed results and was difficult to evaluate due to varying methods of measurement. The results of this review show that there is significant opportunity for improved cost savings regarding Medicare Part D plans and many Medicare beneficiaries would benefit from access to plan selection tools that are better at selecting low cost plans.
Lay Summary
The Medicare population is growing at a high rate as Baby Boomers enter Medicare and life spans are longer. Medicare Part D provides prescription insurance to seniors. Coverage for these plans can change yearly. It is recommended that seniors re-evaluate and compare plan options yearly to reduce unnecessary out-of-pocket spending, but very few do. The increase in the Medicare population means that plan selection tools need to be evaluated so effective tools can be used for years to come. A search of two online databases found 7 final studies that evaluated Medicare Part D plan selection tools. These included studies reported data related to cost, satisfaction, and/or knowledge. All four of the studies that evaluated cost reduced spending or helped participants select the lowest cost plan. Five of the six studies saw increased satisfaction with the tool being tested. Patient knowledge and understanding found tools were easier to use but otherwise had mixed results. Overall, this rapid review highlights the need to expand selection tools that reduce costs for Medicare patients. Expanding tools that can help seniors select Part D plans that meet their needs at the lowest cost will help seniors reduce overspending on prescription drugs for years to come. Using simpler tools will better serve the lower literacy levels of seniors and make the plan selection process easier.
Recommended Citation
Milanovich, Madison, "Evaluating Tools that Assist Seniors in Selecting Medicare Part D Plans: A Rapid Review of the Literature" (2024). Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations. Presentation 555.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/mphcapstone_presentation/555
Language
English
Comments
Presentation: 5:59
Poster attached as supplemental file below