The parameters of the study were set-up as follows:
“The researchers compared hypothetical members’ expenses in the managed care plans with the expenses the members might incur if they had traditional Medicare coverage along with Medicare Plan F supplemental coverage.
The hypothetical members in good health could lower out-of-pocket costs by joining any of the 88 Medicare managed care plans, and the hypothetical members in fair health could save money by joining all but 2 of the managed care plans.”
The results of the study found:
- 19 of the managed care plans were less generous for sick members than Plan F,
- estimated $2,195 more of out of pocket expenses for sick members,
- 69 of the 88 Medicare plans seemed a better deal than Plan F even for sick beneficiaries.
Individuals in poor health under Medicare face potentially higher costs. Fortunately this higher cost is not across the board leaving room for improvement but not a need for complete change.
Comment Preview