The Social Security COLA and Medicare Part B Premium: Questions, Answers, and Issues

Estimates the impact of the projected percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security payments in 2010-11 on beneficiaries subject to increased premium payments for Medicare Part B. Outlines implications under several legislative scenarios

In Pursuit of Long-Term Care: Ensuring Access, Coverage, Quality

Looks at the current and future demand for long-term supportive, medical, personal, and social services for an aging baby boomer population. Provides recommendations for improving public and private financial support systems

Health Care on a Budget: The Financial Burden of Health Spending by Medicare Households

Analyzes Medicare recipients' 2009 out-of-pocket healthcare expenses as a share of household spending by age, income, and dual eligibility and compared with other households. Examines trends in the share of premium costs in healthcare spending

Living Close to the Edge: Financial Challenges and Tradeoffs for People on Medicare

Profiles the choices and trade-offs Medicare beneficiaries make to cover expenses with limited financial resources, including cutting back on basics and relying on credit cards or help from family, and the effects on medical debts and access to care

How Much "Skin in the Game" Is Enough? The Financial Burden of Health Spending for People on Medicare

Examines trends in the financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses relative to income among Medicare beneficiaries between 1997 and 2006, including the composition of expenses and contributing factors. Includes projections for 2025

Revisiting 'Skin in the Game' Among Medicare Beneficiaries: An Updated Analysis of the Increasing Financial Burden of Health Care Spending From 1997 to 2005

Presents data on the out-of-pocket expenses of Medicare beneficiaries as a share of income, analyzed by insurance status, region, and various demographics, as well as spending percentile. Breaks down out-of-pocket spending into eight categories

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans in 2008 and Key Changes Since 2006: Summary of Findings

Synthesizes findings from prior research on the scope and generosity of drug coverage under Medicare Part D, as well as on changes in drug coverage and costs since 2006. Looks at premiums, the coverage gap, tiered cost-sharing, and utilization management

An In-Depth Examination of Formularies and Other Features of Medicare Drug Plans

Provides a detailed assessment of the formularies, drug costs, and utilization management tools offered by the fourteen nationwide organizations that account for most of the stand-alone prescription drug plans

Addressing Unequal Treatment: Disparities in Health Care

Looks at the role of federal government in the health care of minority Americans, and current strategies and legislative efforts to address issues raised by racial and ethnic disparities in health care