Access to Medicare Part D Plans: A Comparison of Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas

The Medicare Part D program allows Medicare beneficiaries to add prescription drugs to their Medicare coverage.  Within Medicare, two plans – Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage prescription plans– offer an array of payment options and benefits.  Researchers at the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis found that Medicare Advantage prescription drug coverage plans were offered in lower numbers of noncore counties, had higher monthly premiums, and were less likely to offer enhanced benefits.  Read more here.