Health Affairs Article: Medicare Part D Plans Rarely Cover Brand-Name Drugs When Generics Are Available August 10, 2020 Issue Brief In an article in Health Affairs, KFF’s Juliette Cubanski, Sarah True and Tricia Neuman, and several other co-authors, explore how often brand-name drugs receive favorable formulary inclusion relative to generics in the Medicare Part D program’s prescription drug plans.
Insulin Costs and Coverage in Medicare Part D June 4, 2020 Issue Brief In light of heightened attention to insulin and the Trump Administration’s new Part D model to address out-of-pocket costs for insulin for Medicare beneficiaries, we analyzed out-of-pocket spending on insulin by beneficiaries enrolled in Part D drug plans, variation in Part D plan formulary coverage and tier placement of insulin products, and trends in prices for insulin.
Five Things to Know about the Cost of COVID-19 Testing and Treatment May 26, 2020 Issue Brief This brief answer key questions on affordability of COVID-19 testing and treatment for people who are uninsured and those insured through private coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid.
COVID-19 Quiz May 6, 2020 Quiz This 10-question quiz tests your knowledge about the coronavirus and COVID-19, including issues around symptoms, testing, number of cases and deaths, and cost sharing for treatment.
Update on COVID-19 Funding for Hospitals and Other Providers April 24, 2020 Blog This blog is an overview of the outstanding questions related to the $100 billion for hospitals and other providers in the CARES Act and whether there will be meaningful protections for the uninsured and people with private coverage who could face surprise bills.
Free Coronavirus Testing for Privately Insured Patients? April 20, 2020 Blog While privately insured people are eligible to have the cost of coronavirus testing covered 100% by their health plan, that doesn’t mean that insured patients won’t be asked to pay up front for the cost of testing or that they can easily be reimbursed.
Medicare Beneficiaries Without Supplemental Coverage Are at Risk for Out-of-Pocket Costs Relating to COVID-19 Treatment April 14, 2020 Blog Most Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans that have waived cost sharing for COVID-19 treatment, and many other beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have their cost sharing covered by supplemental insurance. This blog post discusses the 6 million Medicare beneficiaries without supplemental coverage who would face out-of-pocket costs if they require treatment for COVID-19.
How Much Could Medicare Beneficiaries Pay For a Hospital Stay Related to COVID-19? March 24, 2020 Issue Brief As the coronavirus continues to spread, the number of people on Medicare admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 related illness is expected to rise. We analyze how much Medicare beneficiaries could pay out-of-pocket for an inpatient hospital admission under traditional Medicare (assuming no supplemental coverage) or Medicare Advantage plans.
It May Be Time To Waive Patients’ Costs for Coronavirus Treatment March 19, 2020 Perspective Drew Altman looks at the numbers for COVID-19 treatment, and why it may soon be necessary for Congress to waive out-of-pocket costs for treatment.
Private Health Coverage of COVID-19: Key Facts and Issues March 18, 2020 Issue Brief New federal legislation will require most private health plans to cover testing for the coronavirus with no cost sharing. Some states have adopted similar requirements for insurers they regulate, and many private insurance companies will voluntarily expand coverage for testing. However, some private coverage will not be subject to these requirements. To date, fewer changes have been adopted or considered with respect to treatment for complications from the disease. This brief reviews current coverage standards for private health plans and how these may change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.