Implementation of a Medicare Plan Selection Assistance Program Through a Community Partnership.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health

Background:

• Medicare beneficiaries require assistance navigating complex Part D plan options.
• Pharmacy student involvement in health insurance counseling is an under-explored area.
• Partnerships between academic institutions and state programs can address community health needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the implementation and outcomes of a sustainable Medicare Plan Selection Assistance Program.
• To evaluate the program's impact on Medicare beneficiaries' cost savings and satisfaction.
• To assess pharmacy students' changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding Medicare plan selection.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative program between Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and Alabama SHIP.
• Pharmacy students provided direct assistance to Medicare beneficiaries for Part D plan selection.
• Outcomes measured included beneficiary cost savings, satisfaction, and student self-reported learning.

Main Results:

• Over 80 students annually assisted over 120 beneficiaries across 6-10 counties.
• Beneficiaries achieved average projected savings ranging from $278.71 to $1,382.90 yearly.
• Most students reported increased confidence in assisting beneficiaries with Medicare Part D choices.

Conclusions:

• The partnership program yielded positive results for both Medicare beneficiaries and pharmacy students.
• This model demonstrates the value of academic-pharmacy and state program collaborations.
• Other pharmacy schools are encouraged to replicate this program to benefit their communities.