Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Lewin contact: Lisa Chimento

This analysis, commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, sheds new light on how the Medicare prescription drug program is working by assessing the characteristics of plans chosen by beneficiaries. To date, most studies of the Medicare Part D drug benefit have analyzed overall plan offerings and average characteristics without taking into account the enrollment choices of Medicare beneficiaries. This analysis provides a more complete picture by using beneficiary choice to weight plan characteristics, since beneficiaries have disproportionately chosen to enroll in some plans; 64% of enrollment in concentrated in plans offered by four plan sponsors. The Lewin study finds that, on average, beneficiaries have chosen plans with lower premiums, reduced or zero deductibles, and broader formularies.

"Throughout the engagement, Lewin consultants listened to us and delivered superb analyses and thoughtful guidance–not canned solutions."  NONPROFIT HEALTH SYSTEM