The Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy Program: Experience to Date and Policy Issues for Consideration

This policy brief examines the low-income subsidy program that provides premiums and cost-sharing assistance under Part D plans, documenting trends in both beneficiary and plan participation over time. With fewer plans available to low-income enrollees without having to pay a premium, and annual changes in those plans, the brief discusses challenges facing low-income Part D enrollees and strategies that could be used to increase the effectiveness of the subsidy program.

It was prepared for the Foundation by Laura Summer and Jack Hoadley of Georgetown University and Elizabeth Hargrave of NORC at the University of Chicago.

Policy Brief (.pdf)