Part E draws support as a Medicare plan that covers all the bases: Medicare Extra would simplify drug plan, eliminate need for multiple supplemental programs.(Medicare)

As Medicare beneficiaries and health care consumer organizations become increasingly confused and dissatisfied with the new prescription drug benefit, the Commonwealth Fund is touting an all-inclusive option for Medicare enrollees. Offering this "Medicare Extra," or Part E, plan would eliminate the need for benes to purchase a private drug plan and Medigap supplemental coverage--and lessen confusion and dissatisfaction surrounding the new Medicare Part D drug benefit.

In "Medicare Extra: A Comprehensive Benefits Option For Medicare Beneficiaries," a new study published in the Oct. 4 issue of Health Affairs, the Fund proposes allowing traditional fee-for-service Medicare to offer this cost- saving comprehensive benefits option.

The basic rationale for the new proposal is to overcome the negative consequences flowing from the patching together of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and …