Survey calls Part D a smashing success

A new survey released by industry trade group America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) challenges the view that Medicare Part D is a disaster. The study, which was conducted by Alexandria, VA-based Ayres, McHenry & Associates found that 8 out of 10 seniors who enrolled in a Part D plan had no trouble doing so. Three out of five surveyed said they had saved money. "What seniors are saying is this program is working for them. It's making a difference," said AHIP President Karen Ignagni.

Given that the Medicare Modernization Act has been a bonanza for private insurers, less interested observers of research methodology might note that surveying just those who did manage to join, when a small minority of those who were eligible to sign up voluntarily have done so, smacks just a little of subject selection. The survey drew scoffing from advocacy groups, who called the results distorted and biased. "The HMO industry and its Washington lobbyists may be the least trusted sources of honest data in the country" said Medicare Rights Center president Robert Hayes.

- see this article from The Washington Post