The objective of this project is to analyze, from the rural perspective, proposals to significantly restructure the Medicare program. We are documenting utilization of prescription drugs by rural beneficiaries and examining implications on design of a Medicare benefit. In addition, we are examining implications of alternative designs of the premium for a government-run, Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) plan (plan that is a key ingredient in the leading restructuring proposals), and rural effects of varying eligibility provisions for a drug benefit.

Publications

• Designing a Medicare Drug Benefit: Balancing Government-Based and Market-Based Approaches, the Implications for Rural Beneficiaries
  NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis
  Date: 01/2003
  This study examines the relationship between various Medicare prescription drug benefit design characteristics and their impact on rural areas based on analysis of competing legislative proposals.