Medicare Advantage (Medicare+Choice)
An Assessment of Beneficiary Knowledge of Medicare Coverage Options and the Prescription Drug Benefit
Research Report
Judith Hibbard, Dr.P.H., University of Oregon, Department of Planning, Public Policy, and Management
Jessica Greene, Ph.D., University of Oregon
Martin Tusler, M.A., University of Oregon
May 2006
This AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Paper assesses Medicare beneficiaries’ knowledge about Medicare Part D as well as the differences between the fee-for-service Medicare program (FFS Medicare) and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Further, it identifies which factors contribute to differences in knowledge levels and identifies the characteristics of the people who express confusion and stress over making Medicare Part D decisions. Finally, the study assesses the role patient activation, selected socioeconomic characteristics, and current prescription drug use and coverage play in predicting beneficiary knowledge, attitudes about information seeking, and intentions to elect Part D coverage. It also helps to assess whether health literacy is related to Medicare knowledge levels. (56 pages)
Pub ID: 2006-12