According to research from Avalere, Medicare beneficiaries are overwhelmingly choosing low-cost Part D prescription drug plans . In 2013, more than 500,000 beneficiaries enrolled in the brand new AARP Saver Plus plan—catapulting it to a position in the top 10 list of plans in its first year. With the addition of Humana/Walmart and First Health Part D Value Plus, nearly 3 million beneficiaries are choosing low-premium plans with preferred pharmacy networks. Between 2012 and 2013, premiums have been fairly stable with an average annual increase of only 2%.
The first graphic below examines trends in Medicare Part D coverage by a prescription drug plan (PDP), Medicare Advantage drug plan (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), preferred fee-for-service (PFFS) and other Part D plan types. The second graphic displays enrollment and premium information for the top 10 Part D plans as of 2013.
