Health Affairs · 2010 · 48 citations · 5 references
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Medicare is not working as well for its eight million disabled beneficiaries under age sixty-five as it is for its older beneficiaries. We report on a 2008 survey that found significant differences between the two Medicare populations, with the younger group experiencing more problems of cost and access. Even with the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, the nonelderly disabled reported greater difficulty in affording medications, and more adverse health consequences as a result. One potential remedy is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The law includes reforms that could improve access to care and limit out-of-pocket expenses for the nonelderly disabled in Medicare-as well as those who are waiting to become eligible for the program.
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