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Most people expect to save through new Medicare plans

By STEPHEN NOHLGREN
Published December 22, 2005

Most people who have signed up for a Medicare Part D drug plan think they will save money, according to a study released Wednesday by a trade group that represents the insurance industry.

Though the new drug benefit has come under fire for being too complex and too confusing, 57 percent of people who have signed up say their efforts to understand the plans and enroll were worthwhile. They would advise others to sign up for a plan as well.

Only 16 percent thought the effort wasn't worth it.

The study, a random telephone survey of 401 people who have joined a plan, was commissioned last week by America's Health Insurance Plans, which represents companies that are offering the private Part D plans.

"Seniors are confirming that having a choice of drug plans works for them," said Karen Ignagni, the trade group's president.

So far, Medicare has not estimated how many people have joined a plan since enrollment began Nov. 15. The deadline is May 15 of 2006.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents identified themselves as Democrats; 29 percent as Republicans.

Though a Medicare Web site sorts through plan prices for individual medications, only 28 percent of respondents said they used the Internet to pick a plan, either personally or with help.

Eighty-two percent said their plan would cover the drugs they need; only 7 percent said some of their drugs would not be covered.

[Last modified December 22, 2005, 00:59:14]