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This document, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of the prescription drug provisions of the Conference Agreement (H.R. 1) passed by the House and Senate in November 2003 and the House (H.R. 1) and Senate (S. 1) Medicare proposals passed in June 2003. Report (.pdf)
Standard Medicare Drug Benefit, 2006 Out-of-pocket drug spending for Medicare beneficiaries under the standard Medicare drug benefit described in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Chart (.pdf)
This Briefing Note explores the issues presented for the design and administration of a new Medicare drug benefit by dually eligible nursing facility residents. Issue Paper (.pdf)
As the U.S. Congress continues to search for an agreement on the form of a Medicare prescription drug benefit, the Commission has two new reports related to the debate. One new publication reports on findings from an October 26 discussion with state Medicaid officials on the implications of a Medicare drug benefit for states and dual eligibles. The other report provides state-level estimates on spending on dual eligibles and illustrates the effects of scenarios where…
This publication reports on the findings from an October 26 focus group discussion with state Medicaid officials on the implications of a Medicare drug benefit for states and dual eligibles. Report (.pdf)
This issue paper provides state-level estimates on spending on dual eligibles and illustrates the fiscal effects of scenarios where the federal government assumes the cost of prescription drugs, Medicare premiums, acute care, and long-term care for this population. Issue Paper (.pdf)
This report analyzes key issues surrounding the implementation of a Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount card program. Medicare prescription drug discount cards have been proposed as a short-term strategy for lowering prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. The report considers the implications for both discount card sponsors and beneficiaries of alternative program designs, including such features as the annual lock-in for consumers, exclusive formularies, providing comparative information to consumers about drug prices and discounts, administration of…
Employer Health Benefits 2003 Annual Survey View All Charts for This Section Monthly Premium Costs of Single and Family Coverage In 2003, average monthly premiums for single and family coverage (including worker and employer share of premium) are $282 and $756 respectively (Exhibit 1.12). The cost of family coverage is now nearly $9,100 per year. Average monthly premiums for PPO plans, which cover most Americans, are $292 for single coverage and $776 for family coverage.…
This issue paper examines the policies in the HIFA waiver initiative that provide incentives for states to use Medicaid/SCHIP funds to assist in the purchase of private insurance options. It also reports on how states have responded to these new policies and what key policy questions are raised about premium assistance programs. Issue Paper (.pdf)
This issue paper provides information on the out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs that low-income individuals would face under the Senate versus the House Medicare prescription drug benefit legislation. Issue Paper (.pdf)
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