Research Accomplishment Reports 2007

Medicare Part D

S. Piersol
HEEL

 

Project Description

Jefferson County is the largest metropolitan area in Kentucky and the 16th largest U.S. city. You will find 85.4% of the regions Medicare beneficiaries to reside in Metro-Louisville, Jefferson County. Jefferson County was designated as one of the top 114 counties in the U.S. with approximately 8,000 potential Low Income Subsidy eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries left to enroll from the first open enrollment period. The University of Kentucky, Health Education through Extension Leadership (HEEL) received 15 wireless, laptop computers  and printers from the National Council on Aging and Astra Zeneca Pharmaceutical Company for use in Jefferson County.

The strategy was to identify community organizations currently enrolling, or interested in enrolling, at a grass roots level. In November 2006, the wireless laptop computers and printers were distributed:

Highlands Community Ministries Senior Services (2)
Center for Accessible Living (1)
Jewish Family and Vocational Center (1)
Metro-Louisville Community Action council (2)
Southwest Community Ministries (2)
South Louisville Community Ministries (1)
Arthur S. Kling Center (2)
Metro-Louisville Nutrition Center (1)
ElderServe (1)

A coalition consisting of 24 agencies involved in locating and enrolling persons eligible to enroll in Medicare Part D was formed. Professionals from the collaborating agencies were trained by KIPDA SHIP at no charge as enrollment counselors. A strategic long range plan produced.  Agencies agreed to make an effort to continue to enroll eligibles, targeted dates November – December 2007. The impact of the laptop computers and outreach enrollment efforts were assessed in January 2008.

Impact

According to reports from the collaborating agencies  November 2006 – June 2007, the HEEL staff found the following:

• There was some increase in the coordination of existing services, 13 agencies reported forming new working relationships with other agencies.


• There was on-going training for existing new staff


• The provision of modern technology enabled expanded outreach for enrollments by existing organizations that have the contact with those most difficult to reach, thereby enrolling some of the most difficult to reach clients; 13 agencies reported the technology enabled them to be more mobile in their outreach efforts with 12 using the wireless to enroll clients.


• The lack of other resources available to these organizations and the turnover of staff made it difficult to utilize the technology.

Collaborating agencies reported the following:

“We were invited to a community resource elementary school fair – grandparents raising grandchildren. Busy grandparents got assistance from us. We were also able to expand services to elderly church members and homebound members. Most of our contact with clients is made through home visits.  Many of our older clients do not have a computer and feel intimidated by them. In addition, they have no local family who can assist them. Sometimes our visit did not result in the enrollment, but facilitated their enrollment after the fact.  We guided them through the process, helped them look at the alternatives so they could then discuss it with family and make a final decision.  We are just beginning to work with grandparents raising grandchildren and will be providing assistance with these groups.  We have been to three senior centers and one assisted living center where we were able to work with over 60 people to educate them about Medicare Part D and help anyone interested on the spot.  It was of great value to actually demonstrate to groups of people how the program works and teach them how to navigate the program.”