How many rural Medicare beneficiaries have enrolled in Medicare Part D?
As of June 2006, over half of rural Medicare beneficiaries had Medicare Part D coverage. Another 21% had employer or federal sponsored prescription drug coverage. A higher percent of rural Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D are in a stand-alone prescription drug plans, compared to urban Part D enrollees. A lower percent of rural Part D enrollees than urban are in Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, which cover both drugs and other Medicare benefits. Overall, 74% of rural Medicare beneficiaries have creditable prescription drug coverage, compared to 76% of those living in urban areas. For more details about rural versus urban enrollment in Medicare Part D, please see the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis brief, Enrollment in Medicare Part D for Rural Beneficiaries Is Encouraging.
