WASHINGTON — More than 3 million seniors may have to switch their Medicare prescription-drug plan next year, even if they’re perfectly happy with it, thanks to an attempt by the government to simplify their lives.
The policy change could turn into a hassle for seniors who hadn’t intended to switch plans during Medicare’s fall open-enrollment season.
An analysis by a private research firm estimates that more than 3 million beneficiaries will see their drug plan eliminated as Medicare tries to reduce duplicative coverage. Instead of 40 or more plans in each state, beneficiaries would pick from 30 or so.
“As a result of this policy, there are going to be fewer plans offered in 2011,” said Bonnie Washington, a senior analyst with Avalere Health, which did the study. “There is still going to be robust choice for beneficiaries, but those who have to change plans could experience some disruption and inconvenience.”
Medicare officials dismissed the Avalere estimate. “Anybody who is producing that kind of analysis is simply guessing,” said Jonathan Blum, deputy administrator for Medicare.
Avalere’s Washington said the analysis used Medicare’s specifications.
The Associated Press
