Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105843

Suzanne Rotwein, PhD, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21244, 410-786-6621, srotwein@cms.hhs.gov

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS) has long been interested in informing the beneficiary population about their benefits and rights under the Medicare program. With the passage of the new Medicare Modernization Act, outpatient prescription drug plan options are being made available to them beginning in January 2006. Never before has there been such a great need to educate the beneficiary population in order for beneficiaries themselves to make appropriate choices. With the rising costs of health care and subsequent higher out-of-pocket costs for health care during their retirement years, increased longevity and the possibility of reduction of employer benefits, these beneficiaries need accurate and reliable information from a variety of different sources. One such source is the employer. Information gathered prior to the passage of the MMA suggests that traditionally employers do not perceive that it is their duty to inform their employees about Medicare benefits. The next few years will be a challenge to employers and retirees as we see how the tax-free subsidy to employers that continue to provide retiree health benefits and the educational activities play out. (This presentation is part of a panel: (abstracts: 104227,105753,105927,105857,and 110977). YES, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY ABSTRACT CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and discuss the problems faced by employees with employer-sponsored insurance.
• Understand the employer subsidy and its impact on employees.
• Describe the potential role of employers in educating workforce Medicare beneficiaries about their prescription drug options.
• Analyze and discuss likely trands in educating beneficiaries in light of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan legislation.

Keywords: Employer-Provided Health Insurance, Medicare

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.