Measures and predictors of Medicare knowledge: a review of the literature

As the Medicare Program evolves, adding new insurance options like regional preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and prescription drug benefits, beneficiaries have an even greater need to understand the program. However, past research suggests that many beneficiaries have limited understanding of Medicare and related health insurance options. While improvements in beneficiary understanding of Medicare may be feasible, driven by new and varied efforts to provide the Medicare population with educational opportunities, is there evidence of factors that predict knowledge limitations? This article seeks to address this question by a thorough review of the literature on the measures and factors that influence beneficiary knowledge.