GAO Critical Of Medicare's Information On Drug Benefit.

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Author: Heil, Emily

Health

Many seniors received wrong or unclear information when asking about Medicare's new prescription drug benefit, according to a GAO report released today. Democrats pounced on the findings, saying they bolster their case for extending the May 15 deadline by which seniors must sign up for a plan without facing a penalty. GAO said Medicare faced a "tremendous challenge" in developing and circulating educational materials about the massive program, and it did so in a short time frame. But the report concluded that Medicare "has not ensured that its communications to beneficiaries and that their advisors are provided in a manner that is consistently clear, complete, accurate, and usable." The report found that much of the written information Medicare provided to seniors was accurate, but it often was unclear or difficult to understand. The materials provided to beneficiaries was written at a reading level higher than the fifth-grade level at which 40 percent of seniors read, GAO said, and the documents Medicare disseminated did not comply with "about half of the 60 commonly recognized standards for good communications."

The Web site that seniors may use to select a drug plan also is confusing, according to the report. Of the 500 test calls GAO made to the 1-800-MEDICARE help line, 67 percent were answered completely and accurately. The rest were answered incompletely, inaccurately or with inappropriate answers. Three percent were disconnected. Medicare officials disputed the findings about the Web site and phone lines, noting that GAO's information was culled in January and February and that they have improved services since then. But GAO dismissed that defense. "We believe it is unlikely that the problems identified in this report could have been corrected yet given their nature and scope," it said.

House Democrats said the report boosts their argument that the administration should extend the May 15 deadline for signing up for a plan or face higher premiums. They, along with some Republicans, have argued that seniors have not signed up because doing so is confusing. "The president should extend the May15 enrollment deadline and not penalize seniors for the administration's errors," said House Energy and Commerce ranking member John Dingell of Michigan, one of the Democrats who requested the study. "Seniors can't make good choices if they can't get good information. And these problems confirm that this privatized prescription drug plan is inherently too complicated." Ways and Means Health Subcommittee ranking member Fortney (Pete) Stark, D-Calif., said the Democratic Caucus unanimously adopted a resolution today in support of extending the deadline. He said he doubted the House GOP would push for a deadline extension for fear of seeing the entire program repealed. Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Johnson, R-Conn., is holding a hearing later today on the Medicare program, while President Bush travels to Florida next week to encourage seniors to enroll. HHS Secretary Leavitt said today there will be no extension of the May 15 deadline. Testifying before the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Leavitt said the deadline is a good thing because it forces people to sign up. "We believe a deadline is necessary and that it is working," he said.

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By Emily Heil