A research team, led by Daniel L. McFadden, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, and a Nobel Laureate in Economics, interviewed Medicare-eligible persons age 65 or older about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. The interviews were conducted just prior to the start of open enrollment in November and then again in May and June, after the open enrollment period closed. The results, to be published in Health Affairs show that the target goal of having 90% of persons age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare’s prescription drug coverage has been met. However, they found that there were groups of eligible persons who did not enroll, even though it would be in their best interest to do so.

Therefore, the authors note, a significant number of older people who might benefit from enrollment remain uncovered, and further educating these groups that the Part D program is in their self-interest should continue to be a health policy priority. A notable proportion of the seniors surveyed said they were less satisfied with Medicare and the government overall as a result of their experience with the program.