Development and evaluation of a student-led Medicare Part D Planning Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the creation of a student-led Medicare Part D Planning Clinic and to present satisfaction survey data evaluating the clinic. DESIGN: Prospective pre- and post-assessment satisfaction surveys. SETTING: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institute on Aging. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Medicare beneficiaries in 2011 in Arkansas. INTERVENTIONS: The Medicare Part D Planning Clinic aids seniors in making a well-informed decision on which Medicare Part D plan is best for them. Pharmacy students learn about Medicare Part D choices and interact with older adults assisting them in identifying the best plan. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Potential mean and overall savings and satisfaction ratings. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were seen at the clinic in 2011, and 25 of those patients were shown to have potential savings if they switched plans with an average potential annual savings of $1,157 per patient and a total potential annual savings of $28,929. Among both new and current Part D beneficiaries, 100% indicated they were very satisfied with the service, and among current Part D beneficiaries who completed the surveys, the percent that believed they would have to delay or not fill a prescription because of cost was 18.8% on the pre-assessment survey and 9.1% on the post-assessment survey. CONCLUSION: Offering these services is an effective way to potentially save out-of-pocket expenses among seniors, and seniors find this service satisfying and helpful.