According to experts, the new revamped online prescription plan finder by Medicare could steer unwitting users to coverage that costs much more than necessary, making it more expensive.
The online drug plan finder recently got its first major update in 10 years. It serves more than 60 million Medicare recipients, which is the most commonly used tool on medicare.gov.
Government officials, including the Trump administration and Medicare Administrator Seema Verma hailed the revamped version of the drug plan finder.
Seema Verma went on to say it will empower beneficiaries to take advantage of their insurance options.
However, people who help with registrations and program experts said the newly-overhauled tool could steer unsuspecting seniors to pay much more than necessary.
Senior Program Manager for Medicare Ann Kayrish said, “I want to make sure people are given the most accurate information and they’re making the best decision because they are the ones stuck with it.”
Christina Reeg, who helps people to sign-up with Medicare and find the right plan, said, “If they pick the plan based solely on the premium they are likely getting a plan that could cost them thousands more in a calendar year.”
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey said he “will ask Medicare to grant seniors who’ve had problems a second chance to sign up, called a “special enrollment period.” “It’s obviously an effort that needs a lot more work to meet the legitimate expectations of seniors,” he added. “Especially when you launch something new, (it) can go awry. People steered in the wrong direction should get a measure of fairness.”
