PAN launches education campaign to raise awareness of Medicare Part D reforms
The PAN Foundation launched a new national educational campaign about two upcoming Medicare Part D reforms that will go into effect on January 1, 2025. These new changes—a Medicare Part D cap and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan—could help millions of patients afford their out-of-pocket prescription costs and save money.
Recent national polling from PAN’s Center for Patient Research speaks to the need for a patient-focused education campaign on these changes. According to the survey, most people enrolled in Medicare (87 percent) have not seen, read, or heard anything about the upcoming Medicare Part D reforms. Other key findings include:
- 60 percent of those surveyed still had never heard of the Medicare Part D cap, even after being provided with a description of the reform.
- 73 percent of those surveyed still had never heard of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, even after being provided with a description of the reform.
- The majority of those enrolled in Medicare (73 percent) would be interested in learning more about these upcoming reforms.
“The historic Medicare Part D reforms included in the Inflation Reduction Act have the potential to be life-changing for many patients across the country, but a lack of education has led to a huge awareness gap,” said Kevin L. Hagan, president and CEO of the PAN Foundation. “That’s why we are launching this comprehensive educational campaign aimed at providing patients with easy-to-understand resources to better understand the impact these reforms will have on them.”
Medicare Part D cap
The first reform—the Medicare Part D cap—means that people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage won’t pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications. The cap applies to all prescription medications covered by Part D plans and is automatic for all people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a voluntary Medicare Part D payment program that lets patients spread their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs throughout the calendar year but won’t lower them. Patients can opt in to the program through both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Part D plans and it is most appropriate for those who have a hard time paying their out-of-pocket drug costs all at once. Patients can sign up for this payment option anytime throughout the year, including during Medicare Open Enrollment, but the best time to join is prior to the plan year or at the beginning of the plan year. This will give people more months to spread out their costs.
More about the campaign
PAN’s campaign includes new booklets and webpages in English and Spanish, animated explainer videos, a nationwide radio media tour, and other resources. The goal of the campaign is to help ensure patients and their healthcare professionals understand the new reforms and how they may impact their own access and affordability. The campaign is launching ahead of Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, which happens each fall between October 15 and December 7. Learn more at panfoundation.org/reforms.
About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.2 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. To learn more, visit panfoundation.org.