The absence of Medicare drug coverage is threatening the program's high-value image among those nearing the age of Medicare eligibility and recent enrollees (Americans between
the ages of 50- and 70-years old), according to a study released by the Commonwealth Fund last month.
When respondents were asked what program they would most trust to insure people their age, Medicare emerged as the top choice, outranking employer-sponsored coverage and
private insurance.
But the lack of drug coverage is a major concern among this target, imposing steep financial burdens and other barriers to care.
The study found:
- nearly 10% of adults ages 50 to 64 and 16% of those ages 65 to 70 report spending more than $100 per month out-of-pocket for prescription medications;
- nearly 25% of Medicare beneficiaries spend at these levels each month; and
- insured adults ages 50 to 70, who do not have a drug benefit, are three times as likely as those with drug coverage to let a prescription go unfilled because of the
cost.
(The Commonwealth Fund, Mary Mahon, 212/606-3853)