Results Show Interest in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Increases as American Seniors Learn More About It
 
April 3, 2025 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) today released new polling data showing a majority of seniors with Medicare prescription drug coverage are unaware of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, a new program designed to help manage out-of-pocket costs. The findings highlight the need for greater education and outreach to ensure eligible seniors can take advantage of this cost-saving opportunity.
 
The survey, conducted by independent research firms GQR and Public Opinion Strategies, found that just 26% of seniors knew some or a lot about the program, while nearly half (48%) had heard nothing at all. However, once respondents received more information, interest in the program significantly increased.
 
Launched in January 2025, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan offers seniors with Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans the option to break their out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses into monthly installments to avoid having to make large payments earlier in the year. The new program is a part of a broader series of changes Medicare is making to Part D this year, including an automatic cap on out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 per year.
 
As the survey results demonstrate, greater awareness of the program can lead to increased participation, ensuring more seniors can benefit from this financial flexibility.
 
“These results show that too many seniors are missing out on a program that could help them better manage their prescription drug expenses simply because they don’t know it exists,” said Candace DeMatteis, policy director at the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. “When they learn about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, they see its value. The low awareness presents the opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to better communicate how this program can help Americans on Medicare budget for their healthcare expenses more effectively."
 
Additional key findings include:

• 74% of seniors say they’d heard little to no information about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
• Seniors say the ability to opt in at any time during the year (76%) and the assurance of no additional costs (75%) are the most convincing reasons to sign up.
• After receiving information about the program, nearly half (48%) of seniors who report spending more than $1,000 per year on prescription drugs say they would likely use it.
• 81% of seniors think their Medicare plan or Medicare itself is responsible for making sure they have information about programs like this.

 
“Seniors shouldn’t have to navigate complex healthcare costs without clear information,” GQR senior partner Anna Greenberg said. “By raising awareness and providing accessible information, more Medicare beneficiaries can take advantage of this important cost-saving option.”
 
“When it comes to their healthcare expenses, seniors want predictability, and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can offer exactly that,” Public Opinion Strategies partner Nicole McCleskey said.
 
GQR and Public Opinion Strategies designed and administered this survey of 500 Medicare recipients who have additional prescription drug coverage (either Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage) from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, 2025. Most respondents (397) were selected from online opt-in panels, and 103 were contacted by phone to increase coverage of minority and rural respondents. 
 
View the detailed findings here, and visit fightchronicdisease.org to learn more.
 
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INFOGRAPHIC: Seniors Need to Know More About the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
 
About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is an internationally recognized organization of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability, and rising health care costs: chronic disease. 
 
About GQR
For more than four decades, GQR has used innovative polling and opinion research to help leading candidates, parties, government leaders, corporations and advocacy groups across the United States and around the world. GQR draws on the insights, expertise, and talents of a skilled team to create integrated campaigns that inspire action.
 
About Public Opinion Strategies
Public Opinion Strategies is a market research company based in Alexandria, VA specializing in political, corporate and public policy research. Since its founding in 1991, the firm has completed more than 25,000 research projects and interviewed 11 million Americans across the United States.