Part D Misses Millions with Low Incomes

Beginning of article

An estimated 3.3 million low-income elders are not benefiting from Medicare Part D, according to a new Commonwealth Fund report titled "Improving the Medicare Part D Program for the Most Vulnerable Beneficiaries" by Georgetown University's Laura Summer and colleagues.

Now well into its second year, the prescription drug benefit is falling short of serving many of the frailest, sickest and most vulnerable beneficiaries, according to the study. Although Part D has improved access to needed medications for millions of Americans, says the report, "an estimated 3.3 million of the 13.2 million beneficiaries eligible for a low-income subsidy to help pay for premiums and medication …