Pharmacists and doctors acknowledge Part D access problems
An overwhelming majority of pharmacists and physicians report numerous access problems with the Part D prescription drug benefit, even though they also say the program has helped beneficiaries.
More than 80% of pharmacists surveyed for a new Kaiser Family Foundation study said they have direct knowledge of Part D beneficiaries who had problems getting medications. They say they have witnessed beneficiaries going without their medications because the prescribed drugs were not on their plans' formularies.Also, dual eligible beneficiaries have a more difficult time getting prescriptions filled than when their drugs were covered by Medicaid, according to more than 40% of pharmacists participating in the study. Doctors also said they had patients with Part D coverage who experienced problems accessing prescribed medications. Nursing home operators say dealing with the new Part D benefit this year has been one of their top concerns.
For more on the survey, visit http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/pomr090706pkg.cfm
