Rural-Urban Differences in Satisfaction with Medicare Part D: Implications for Policy

Rural residents are more likely to be enrolled in traditional fee-for-service Part D Medicare prescription drug plans, and they face particular challenges in accessing pharmaceutical care. This study examines rural/urban differences in satisfaction with Medicare Part D coverage. Using data from the 2012 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (N = 3,107 beneficiaries aged 65 and older), we find that rural residents have significantly lower satisfaction with Part D coverage but that regional variation in satisfaction is largely explained by differences in health services use and type of Part D plan (stand-alone versus Medicare Advantage). We conclude by suggesting a multifaceted approach to improving satisfaction with Part D for rural residents.