Medicare

If people on Medicare are hospitalized for COVID-19 related illness, how much can they expect to have to pay for the hospital stay? We analyzed potential out-of-pocket expenses for those in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

This analysis examines the share of Part D enrollees who currently have access to extended supplies of generic, brand-name, and specialty-tier drugs covered by their plan in 2020, prior to relaxation of any early-fill restrictions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Early-fill restritictions could prevent enrollees from obtaining a sufficient extended supply to meet their needs. 

Virtually all Medicare beneficiaries are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they are infected with the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Diagnosis is confirmed through testing, and treatment varies based on the severity of illness. We review current policies for Medicare coverage and costs associated with testing and treatment for COVID-19.

A relatively small share of people with Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage voluntarily switch plans during Medicare’s open enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

Medicare Advantage plans have taken a large and growing role in the Medicare program over the past decade, with more than 22 million beneficiaries (34%) enrolled in the private plans in 2019.

In 2020, nearly nine in 10 stand-alone drug plan enrollees are projected to be in plans operated by five firms: UnitedHealth, Humana, WellCare, CVS Health, and Cigna