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This issue paper describes the origins of the clawback, the formula by which each state’s clawback amount is calculated, and the clawback’s implications for states and for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Issue Paper (.pdf)
As the first phase of the new Medicare prescription drug law takes effect, the Kaiser Family Foundation commissioned focus groups conducted by Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies and Geoff Garin of Peter D. Hart Research Associates in consultation with Foundation staff. The focus groups were designed to explore what people on Medicare know and think about the discount drug card that went in effect June 1st, and the new benefit that takes effect in…
Preparing for the Medicare Drug Discount Card Rollout A Conference Call Discussion With Medicare beneficiaries eligible to subscribe to a discount drug card as of May 3 and use them as of June 1, there is little time to clear up any confusion or answer outstanding questions about the program. Dozens of private companies are sponsoring national or regional cards, including some Medicare managed care plans. Enrollment fees could be as high as $30 per…
- Issue Paper This Issue Paper describes the discount card and low-income assistance programs and discusses their implications for low-income Medicare beneficiaries and state Medicaid programs. Issue Paper (.pdf)
Dual Eligibles: Medicaid's Role in Filling Medicare's Gaps - Issue Brief This paper presents a profile of dual eligible beneficiaries (those qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid), describes their health care expenditures, and analyzes the distribution of spending on the population. Issue Paper (.pdf)
This set of tables, prepared by the Urban Institue for the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, presents the most current state by state data on Medicaid enrollment and expenditures for dual eligibles. Full Set of Tables (.pdf) Individual Tables:Implications of the Medicare drug law for full dual eligibles:Table 1: “Full” Dual Eligible Enrollment and Prescription Drug Expenditures, by State, 2002 (.pdf) Enrollment and spending data for full and partial dual eligibles:Table 2: Total…
These summaries, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., provide detailed information about the prescription drug provisions of the Medicare legislation (P.L. 108-173) signed by the President on December 8, 2003. Report (.pdf)
Understanding the Health-Care Needs and Experiences of People with Disabilities: Findings from a 2003 Survey People with disabilities are at risk in the health-care system because of their wide-ranging health-care needs, their relatively heavy use of prescription drugs, health-care and support services, and typically low incomes. A new survey of people with permanent mental and/or physical disabilities explores their health-care experiences and challenges in accessing and paying for care. Report (.pdf) Chartpack, video, press release,…
New Medicare Drug Benefit's Impact on States and Low-Income Beneficiaries The recently signed Medicare prescription drug bill transfers responsibility for providing prescription drug coverage to dual-eligible beneficiaries from Medicaid to Medicare and creates a new subsidy program for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. These changes will have a major impact on state Medicaid programs both fiscally and administratively and it will also mean major changes for low-income beneficiaries' drug coverage. Presentation: Medicare Prescription Drugs and Low-Income Beneficiaries…
Implications of the New Medicare Law for Dual Eligibles: 10 Key Questions and Answers This publication is designed to provide a more detailed explanation of the change in drug coverage policy for dual eligibles under the new Medicare law, as well as explore its implications for the individuals affected by it. Issue Paper (.pdf)
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