Tricia Neuman
Tricia Neuman
divided favorable seniors
Seniors are still divided as to being favorable or unfavorable, but many still don't know enough to have an opinion.
benefits coverage decided decisions employer good health likely reason revisit stay top
Those that have retiree health benefits have good reason to stay on top of this issue. Even if an employer decided to keep coverage for 2006, it's likely they will revisit these decisions in 2007 and beyond.
actions change decisions disabled elderly far fewer point program
Up to this point in time, there were far fewer decisions and actions required. This really is a fundamental change in the program and the expectations for elderly and disabled people.
benefit cancel coverage employer federal later realize
Retirees who cancel their employer coverage and take the new federal benefit may not be able to go back if they later realize they've made a mistake.
apparently businesses eager people plate stepped striking
striking that there are so many businesses that have stepped up to the plate and are apparently eager to enroll people in Medicare.
adequate choice choices comparison everybody face influenced marketing might others paralyzed people present question seniors sign
Choices can present opportunities, but the question is: What will seniors do when they face so many choices? ... Some will comparison shop, others might be heavily influenced by marketing and some may be paralyzed by so many choices. . . . Not everybody should sign up, because some people already have adequate coverage.
financial health importance retirement speaks
It speaks to the importance of health and financial protections as an important part of retirement security.
lower moving numbers slower
The numbers are moving in the right direction. But enrollment is lower and slower than projected.
benefit coverage generous help huge ill insurance medicine pay run
The benefit may not be as generous as some would want. But what's most important is having insurance coverage that will help you pay for medicine if you become ill and run up huge drug bills.
coverage improvement major million number represents seems unclear virtually
It seems virtually all the 21 million have drug coverage now. It's unclear if the enrollment number represents a major improvement in coverage.
share smaller
That's a smaller share than many had feared.
clearly coverage moving reached
They have not yet reached their coverage goal, but they are clearly moving closer.
consumer full number point
It will be important to get the full picture. We now know the number of organizations. From a consumer point of view, they may want to know the number of plans.
greater impact income
The greater impact could be on low-income people.