Discusses the diverse capacities and vulnerabilities of different groups of Medicare beneficiaries and how well current information strategies address their needs. Notes that policymakers should be aware of this diversity and the need for transitional and targeted education strategies to reach...

Notes that 11 percent had no source of supplemental coverage. Twenty-nine percent have coverage through an HMO but no other form of subsidized coverage.

This spotlight examines enrollment trends in Medicare Advantage plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans. Despite the availability of many private Medicare Advantage plans, enrollment is highly...

Shows that surprisingly few beneficiaries actively examine their choices in health coverage, though choice is somewhat more relevant for subgroups of vulnerable beneficiaries.

Notes that 14 percent of Medicare beneficiaries had no source of supplemental coverage to pay costs not covered by Medicare. Medicare HMOs are an important source of coverage, especially for those who do not receive supplemental coverage under an employer group. Although HMOs in New Orleans seem...

Examines the Sterling Life Insurance Company's private fee-for-service plan, the first and only such plan offered since the Balanced Budget Act authorized this option. Notes that although enrollment remains low, it has grown rapidly this year, coinciding with increased payment rates and...

This fact sheet, the second in a series from Mathematica's study of the insurance decisions made by Medicare beneficiaries, looks at MCO penetration and payment rates, choice of plans, premium increases, market disparities, and availability of pharmacy benefits.

Provides a statistical profile of Medicare's disabled population, highlighting socioeconomic and health and functional characteristics that policymakers need to consider to better meet this group's needs.

Medicare beneficiaries have at least 40 Medicare Advantage (MA) plan options to choose from this year. While some policymakers favor a robust marketplace, others argue that fewer plan offerings, or more transparent differences across plan designs, would help beneficiaries choose plans most...