You Spoke! The 2021 Senior Satisfaction Survey

Once again, we gave seniors the opportunity to tell us how they feel about Medicare Part D, Medicare’s prescription drug program. This survey was the 15^th year that we’ve asked seniors how the feel about Part D. We do this because it is important to break through all of the rhetoric and posturing that is taking place concerning this vital program. Many politicians think we need to change the program, dictate drug prices, set prices based on those in foreign countries, import drugs from other countries, etc. They are focused on “fixing” Medicare Part D when I’m not sure they have any idea whether those who use the program think it needs to be fixed. We do this survey each year because we want you to have a voice.

I may be revealing how old I am, but I was involved with senior organizations and public policy before Part D was passed in 2003 and implemented in 2006. I know that before Part D, when seniors were responsible for the full cost of their prescription drugs, the financial uncertainty of these costs was deeply troubling and was a constant worry. Most people don’t know that many in Washington were against the program as it was being debated. They thought that there wouldn’t be enough plans competing in each state, especially in rural states. They thought it would be too complicated for seniors to understand. They though that premiums would spiral out-of-control. They thought that seniors would be unhappy. It was a close vote, but it passed.

So, what has happened over the last 15 years? There are many Part D plans to choose from in each state. In Montana, one of our most rural states, there are 23 different plans. With the help of state aids, pharmacists, automation, information from HHS, and the resourcefulness and self-reliance of seniors, they continue to choose the plans that fit them best. The premiums have been 30% lower than were estimated during the debate 15 years ago. These are the indicators of a successful program and seniors have agreed since the program’s inception.

For instance, in 2007, 86% of the respondents said they were very positive or somewhat positive about Part D. In our 2021 survey 87% said they were satisfied with their Part D coverage. We asked a variety of questions in our survey, covering senior’s feelings about things like out-of-pocket costs and their opinions about the changes that are being proposed. There are a lot of interesting facts that have come out of this year’s survey, too many to go into here. Luckily, we have scheduled a virtual town hall on September 15^th to discuss the survey in more detail. We hope you can join us. You can click here to register for the town hall. Detailed information about the town hall is below.

I always want you to be the voice I listen to. How well Medicare is serving you is what’s important. I think that sometimes those in Washington forget who eventually pays the bills and who the real customers are. Our yearly survey is one way we try to let you speak out. Join us on the 15^th.

Thanks, Thair

Medicare Today Town Hall
Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 2:00 p.m. ET

Guest Speakers
Thair Phillips, former President and CEO of RetireSafe
And
Caroline Bye, AVP of Advocacy and Government at Morning Consult

They will discuss:
The results of the annual Part D Satisfaction Survey
Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information on joining the Town Hall. You can join on your computer without your camera and you can dial-in as well – whatever works for you!