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Healthcare Giants Step Up Direct Mail Efforts Regarding New Initiative to Aging Consumers
Chicago (November 10, 2005)- Early next week, U.S. Medicare consumers will have a new prescription option that puts healthcare providers in a race for clients. The enrollment period for Medicare Part D, a new prescription offering for Medicare recipients, will be underway from November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006. Mintel's Comperemedia, a direct mail and print monitoring service, has observed an increase in mail to brokers promoting the opportunity to sell this new offering.
Medicare Part D will allow current Medicare recipients to pay a premium (in addition to current Medicare costs) to acquire the additional insurance. This new option helps to supplement the limited drug options currently available through the general Medicare plan.
"The addition of Medicare Part D as a new prescription drug option is going to make a significant difference in the business landscape for key healthcare and pharmaceutical providers," said Reagan Shea, Regional Director for Comperemedia. "Companies are positioning Medicare Part D as a prime sales opportunity for many industry brokers, according to recent marketing pieces Comperemedia has identified."
Comperemedia reports that more than 1,000 direct mail campaigns regarding Medicare marketing have been sent to brokers over the last year, up from over 500 that were sent out the year before. According to Mintel's 2005 report on Attitudes Towards Health Care and Pharmaceuticals, Medicare covers over 96 percent of older U.S. adults.
Due to the increased numbers in the aging population, prescription drug coverage needs have risen substantially. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, prescription drug sales rose from $85 billion in 1997 to $162 billion in 2002, which shows a major increase of over 91 percent.
Mintel Comperemedia provides competitive intelligence for businesses looking to advance and improve their direct marketing strategy. Tracking direct marketing (including mail, email and print advertising) targeted at consumers, small businesses and insurance agents, Mintel Comperemedia offers a unique perspective on everything from banking trends to insurance trends to credit card statistics. For more than 38 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, leading the industry for consumer, product and media intelligence.
Joanna Peot
Public Relations Executive
312-628-7946
jpeot@mintel.com