Kaiser study shows Medicare benefits lacking for elderly

MENLO PARK, Calif. Elderly people receive fewer benefits from Medicare than they would get from a large employer’s health plan or the plan for federal employees, according to a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In 2007, elderly people would get $10,610 in benefits from Medicare, but a large employer’s plan would provide $12,160 worth of benefits, and the federal employees’ plan would provide $11,780.

The discrepancy results from Medicare’s higher inpatient deductible, which makes short stays in hospitals more expensive. In addition, Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care and limits ceilings on out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs to those covered by Part D plans.