Displaced by Hurricane Katrina: Issues and Options for Medicare Beneficiaries

Publication Date: November 2005

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment; Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

An estimated 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Medicare played a key role in meeting the health care needs of the elderly and disabled beneficiaries who were displaced by the hurricane. Many of these beneficiaries face new challenges as a direct result of the hurricane.

This issue brief identifies issues and challenges for individuals on Medicare affected by the hurricane and offers options for addressing these problems during the transition period. This issue brief focuses on subgroups of the Medicare population, including beneficiaries in traditional Medicare, those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, and dual eligibles and nursing home residents. It looks at potential transition issues affecting beneficiaries as the new drug benefit is implemented. It also identifies issues to be considered in future disaster planning efforts.