Maine's CHOICES CEO Project
The Results Are In: Workers with Disabilities Share Their Experiences with Medicare's New Prescription Drug Program
The results from the CHOICES CEO survey about Medicare Part D have been tabulated.
In March 2006, people enrolled in the MaineCare's Workers with Disabilities Option who received both Medicaid and Medicare were contacted about their experiences with the new prescription drug plan. People enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare are referred to as "dual eligibles." Under the new Medicare Part D program, dual eligibles were required to switch their drug coverage from Medicaid to Medicare.
In the second half of 2005, CHOICES CEO provided outreach and education to dual-eligibles participating in the Workers with Disabilities Option. Brochures were developed, people were telephoned, and informational sessions were held. This survey assessed the success of previous outreach efforts and future outreach needs.
The response rate was high: 60 percent of those called responded to the survey.
Most of those surveyed had learned about the new drug plan through letters, the news, brochures and in-person assistance. Respondents found in-person assistance, letters and brochures to be most helpful.
Eighty-five percent of those surveyed had tried to get their medications through a Part D plan. Of these:
- 19 percent had trouble initially filling their prescriptions. Twenty-seven percent of these respondents were still having problems at the time of the survey;
- 15 percent reported their new plan required them to switch a medication they had been taking before; and
- Four percent had to switch to a different pharmacy to get their medications.
Overall, seven percent reported the new plan has affected their health. One percent reported the new plan has affected their ability to continue working.
Under the new Medicare Part D program, people must choose between several different drug plans. Two-thirds of respondents did not know how to change plans and were not aware they could do so monthly. Only about half of those surveyed knew how to get help changing plans.
Drug coverage differs in each of the Part D plans. Participants' health or ability to work could be impacted if they remain in a plan that is not well suited to their needs.
Clearly, more outreach to dual eligibles is needed regarding the ability to change plans. This will be an ongoing goal for everyone involved. For more information, go to www.choicesceo.org/Resources/dualsPartDsurvey.doc.
