According to an investigation by ProPublica and The Washington Post, Medicare is failing to properly monitor the drugs prescribed under Part D coverage. Analysis of the data shows doctors are overprescribing, and in some cases, giving seniors drugs that are potentially harmful or addictive.
One example, the investigation points out, is Dr. Enrique Casuso of Miami. He has prescribed more antipsychotic medications to elderly patients than any other physician in the country. His prescribing rates got him in trouble with Florida’s Medicaid program, which kicked him out of the network in 2005. And while insurers have contacted him with concerns about the drugs patients are getting, Medicare has not intervened.
Federal officials with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services point to private insurers that provide the Part D coverage, saying they should be responsible for monitoring what doctors are prescribing.
Read more about the investigation on the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting's website.