Today the Kaiser Family Foundation released a survey discussing the Medicare Part D drug benefit and the experiences seniors have had with the new drug benefit. Sen. Chuck Grassley,
chairman of the Committee on Finance, with jurisdiction over Medicare, made the following comment on the survey.
“The Kaiser Family Foundation offers policy makers a sound, balanced look at the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. The foundation’s work is much-appreciated, especially given the ongoing efforts of some groups to vilify the benefit by presenting their one-sided views. Despite what others have said, according to the survey, satisfaction among beneficiaries is strong, with 81 percent either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their plan. Three-fourths of beneficiaries feel they made a good choice. Although beneficiaries reported having some problems, the majority also reported that the problems have been resolved.
“The survey also helps to identify areas on which we need to continue to work. We need to make sure beneficiaries know that extra help is available for premiums and cost-sharing. We also need to make sure beneficiaries have the resources they need to make their choice. Over the past several months, I’ve been working to make sure the Administration takes action to improve the Medicare prescription drug benefit. This survey will help to inform those efforts."
The survey is available at:
http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/pomr072706pkg.cfm
Source: Ranking Member’s News
