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Survey: Doctors important to Part D decisions

Physician Practice Advisor, November 16, 2005

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found that most seniors understand the new Medicare drug benefit "not too well" or "not at all." It also reported that many beneficiaries will rely on their doctors for decision-making help.

"Many seniors expect to lean heavily on their doctors and pharmacists to help guide them through their many options," said Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President Mollyann Brodie, PhD. "If this proves unrealistic, their frustration could create an implementation challenge." Thirty-two percent said they were very likely to turn to their doctor for help, second only to 33% who said they would turn to the Medicare program itself.

The October survey of approximately 800 senior citizens underscored the uncertainty of the success of the new program, which began enrollment on Tuesday. Other survey findings include:

• 43% said they don't know if they will enroll in the 2006 plan
• 73% said having almost 40 plans to choose from would make picking confusing and difficult
• 37% have an unfavorable view of the program, compared with 31% favorable and 31% who don't know

Click here for more information about the poll.

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