Many Seniors Not Selecting Lowest Cost Medicare Drug Plans - US News and World Report

Too many choices, confusing options are roadblocks to smartest decision, report says

Posted March 13, 2009

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 13 (HealthDay News) -- Most seniors facing the staggering choices of drug plans available through Medicare don't select the plan with the lowest costs, a new report says.

The report found that the more than 50 standalone drug plans in many states should let people pick the best value for their individual medical and financial needs, but most consumers aren't making the smart economic choice.

"The idea that was touted, when it became clear that there would be so many plans available, was that seniors would compare plans and choose the best possible plan given their individual needs and economic circumstances," said Tricia Neuman, the Kaiser Family Foundation's vice president and director of its Medicare Policy Project.

But most people did not end up in the lowest-cost plan, she said.....

Many Seniors Not Selecting Lowest Cost Medicare Drug Plans - US News and World Report