Publication Date: January 26th, 2016
Publication Type(s): Peer-reviewed Journal Publications
Topic(s): Aging, Medicare Part D
Author(s): Henning-Smith, C., O'Connor, H., Casey, M., Moscovice, I.
Abstract: Rural residents are more likely to be enrolled in traditional fee-for-service Part D Medicare prescription drug plans and they face particular challenges in accessing pharmaceutical care. This study examines rural/urban differences in satisfaction with Medicare Part D coverage. Using data from the 2012 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (n = 3,107 beneficiaries age 65 and older), we find that rural residents have significantly lower satisfaction with Part D coverage, but that regional variation in satisfaction is largely explained by differences in health services use and type of Part D plan (stand-alone v. Medicare Advantage). We conclude by suggesting a multi-faceted approach to improving satisfaction with Part D for rural residents.
Published in: Journal of Aging & Social Policy