Prescription Drug Coverage Outreach Campaign

Luis Morales

Center for Consumer & External Affairs

June 30, 2005

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Overview

• Change in prescription drug coverage from Medicaid/Kidney Health Care Program to Medicare

• More than 500,000 Texans affected

• HHSC and DSHS collaborating to implement an outreach and education campaign

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Target Audiences

• Clients– Full Dual Eligibles

– Non-Full duals

– Medicare-only clients in state-funded Rx programs

• Providers– Pharmacists

– Physicians

– Institutional providers

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Campaign Goals

• Inform and educate clients about changes in drug coverage

• Provide information regarding actions clients must take to enroll in new program

• Develop tools for clients and providers to assist in selection of new plans

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Outreach Activities

• Research – Focus groups; surveys

• Direct mail

• Collateral materials – brochures, push cards, fliers, booklets, Web site

• Community outreach events

• Media relations

• Video (Kidney Health Care Program)

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Progress Update

• Initial research phase complete– Focus groups: San Antonio, El Paso

– Statewide telephone survey

– Focus group results driving tactics

• Additional focus groups to be held in Dallas and Rio Grande Valley

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Progress Update (cont.)

• Direct mail– First mail drop: July 5– Automated phone call alerting recipients of

impending mail– Letter from HHSC/DSHS introducing new

Medicare Rx program– Accompanying brochure provides additional

information

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Direct Mail

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Progress Update (cont.)

• Under development

– Web site: www.TexasMedicareRx.org

• Launch coincides with mailing

• Information for clients, providers, pharmacists and

caretakers

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Progress Update (cont.)

• Under development

– Video: Kidney Health Care Program

• 4-6 minute educational video in both English and

Spanish. Video will focus on Medicare Rx

information and benefit coordination

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Future Activities

• Mobile outreach tours– Deliver information in seven key markets

– Austin, Corpus Christi, DFW, El Paso, Harlingen/McAllen, Houston and San Antonio

• Adult day care

• Senior centers

• Other locations where target audiences congregate

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Future Activities

• Additional mailings in the fall

• Media relations

• Partnerships

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Summary

• Integrated outreach strategies

• Protect our population through a smooth

transition to the new Medicare Rx program