New Medicare Rx drug price comparison site

The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a re-designed web site for its prescription drug plans for seniors under the Medicare Part D program (Marketletters passim). The previous version of the web site, despite being used by several million people in the past year, was found to be difficult to navigate. Enrollment for the third year of Part D coverage has begun in October and continues until November 30.

Among the redesigned web site's (www.medicare.gov) new features, the CMS noted an out-of-pocket cost calculator that no longer requires all medications taken by the beneficiary to be entered; an option for renewing coverage with an existing provider; and a link to a screen showing the names of the insurers included in each plan.

A five-star guide to plans based on care access and quality, as well as customer satisfaction ratings, is also featured on the reworked site.