CMS spent $11M on a new Medicare cost tool. Consumers say it doesn't work

For the first time since 2005, CMS redesigned its Medicare Plan Finder, which helps seniors compare Medicare plan choices. However, consumer advocates say the tool is riddled with inaccurate cost estimates, according to ProPublica.

Due to the errors, some states have told patient advocates to stop using the tool. In Nebraska, officials told roughly 350 volunteer Medicare advisers to shut down operations for a day because the tool was miscalculating costs. In another case, prescription drug plan EnvisionRxPlus told independent insurance brokers across the U.S. to not use the Medicare Plan Finder due to incorrect cost estimates on drugs and deductibles.

CMS, which spent $11 million on the redesign, acknowledged users have reported problems with the new tool, saying the upgrade is an ongoing process. CMS said updates have been made as users report issues, according to ProPublica.

Read the full report here.

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