Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder Computer Problem Fixed

From KaiserNetwork.org



CMS said it has addressed problems related to inaccurate information in the Medicare Drug Plan Finder, USA Today reports (Appleby, USA Today, 12/1). CMS spokesperson Gary Karr said that a problem related to computer data had inflated drug prices artificially for the Medicare Rx Rewards Premier plan offered by Unicare. The cost estimate for the plan had increased by more than $1,250 since the tool was activated (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/30). CMS on Tuesday fixed problems involving incorrect monthly copayments listed for plans offered by UniCare and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. The computer problems improperly raised their annual cost estimates. The fix resulted in UniCare's plan cost estimate dropping by $1,296. Karr said other errors discovered since the Web site went live last month have been addressed. Tricia Neuman, a Kaiser Family Foundation vice president and director of its Medicare Policy Project, said CMS "has been incredibly responsive in trying to fix the problems, but there is a question about what happens to seniors who have chosen a plan based on faulty information." Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) on Tuesday in a letter to CMS officials said the Web site should warn users that even without errors, plans' cost estimates can change weekly as insurers update their drug selection. Consumers Union on Wednesday in a letter to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan said the price changes "create the potential for consumer deception and anger." Karr said beneficiaries should remember that they do not need to find "the perfect plan" because "many options would work." He also said the prices likely will not change substantially before the drug benefit begins (USA Today, 12/1).