By Beverly Goodell
As of January 2024, 340,005 New Hampshire seniors were enrolled in Medicare. For these hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries, the Part D program serves as a key tool that allows them to access the medication they rely on to maintain their quality of life. Each year, the Senior Satisfaction Survey measures enrollees’ perception of Medicare Part D and its benefits. This year’s results showed similar findings to years past: Seniors are happy with this program and its coverage. Concerningly, however, policies the Administration is currently implementing threaten the future success of Part D, and as a result, the seniors that rely on it for treatment access.
According to the survey, 95% of seniors are satisfied with Medicare overall, and nearly 90% are satisfied with their prescription drug coverage, specifically. Coverage for medications is particularly vital for this age demographic, who take prescription drugs more frequently than any other age group to treat a variety of chronic diseases and other conditions that appear more frequently in older patients. This is particularly true in New Hampshire, where nearly six in ten adults have at least one chronic condition and require advanced medicines to treat their symptoms.
This access and Medicare’s success are now under threat because of price-setting policies, including the ones contained in the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) new Medicare “negotiation” program. Seniors see the writing on the wall, however, with 82% worried that price controls will limit access to newer prescription drugs, and 82% are concerned that controls could limit options when choosing a medication. The results are clear: Seniors are concerned that the IRA is hurting their health care.
These concerns are warranted. Recent data shows that costs are increasing and choices are decreasing for Medicare Part D beneficiaries thanks to the IRA. This year, average monthly premiums increased 21%, and this number is expected to double in 2025. Moreover, the number of plans, and therefore choices, available to seniors is at an all-time low. Seniors are also correct in their concerns about the impact of price controls on new medications. There is already ample evidence that the IRA’s price-setting provisions are leading to the discontinuance of research studies and a decrease in the development of new medication.
Politicians must stand up for New Hampshire’s seniors and protect this beloved program. In today’s political climate, such overwhelming agreement on an issue is rare. Lawmakers must listen to the 89% of seniors satisfied with the program — as well as the 82% that are concerned about the impact price controls will have on it, and ensure that Medicare Part D remains affordable and continues to help seniors access their much-needed medication.
Beverly Goodell is executive director of the Lupus Foundation New England.
