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 .