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.

Summary for publication Are the 2004 Payment Increases Helping to Stem Medicare Advantages Benefit Erosion

This report explores the growth of Medicare Advantage (MA) in 2006 concurrent with the introduction of the new drug benefit. Based on analysis of publicly available 39;47 data, the authors find that the widely heralded expansion in MA masks important differences in the rate of growth by area of...

This analysis of trends in benefits and premiums since 1999 in the Medicare+Choice program reveals that plans have continued to raise premiums and beneficiaries’ cost-sharing, while at the same time limiting coverage of supplemental benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. Monthly...

Examines the following: —Does Medicare spending vary geographically? —How much of the variation is due to differences in population mix and prices across areas? —What explains the remaining variation? —Do people in higher spending areas get better care?

This paper summarizes information learned from interviews with six hospital-based systems that are in the forefront of health information exchange efforts with external providers. Information learned includes how systems are engaging with exchange, their views on the business case for this...

This case study of the evolution of Medicare managed care in Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida, is one of four in a series being prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., for the Kaiser Family Foundation to examine the growth and impact of Medicare managed care. The Medicare risk (HMO) program...