This phase I research seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of developing guidebooks, training materials, and computer software templates to assist potential broker organizations in becoming effective facilitators of informed decision making among medicare beneficiaries when it comes to choosing among competing hmo and cmp risk programs. These materials will focus on helping brokers understand: (1) why medicare beneficiaries enroll in, do not enroll in, or disenroll from risk programs; (2) how the competitive hmo market functions; (3) how hmos identify, attract, and maintain satisfaction among medicare-eligible enrollees; (4) how to obtain access to lists of medicare eligibles and grievance reports from the health care financing administration within a given geographic area; and (5) how to develop standard practice guidelines designed to ensure the integrity of the services brokers provide to medicare beneficiaries. To achieve these objectives, berkeley planning associates will consult with a limited number of experts and consumers to validate the basic content of a draft outline of a guidebook and seminar curriculum, as well as the basic specifications of software templates to assist the consumer in selecting an appropriate hmo and assist the broker in monitoring consumer satisfaction.
