[영문]The long-awaited outpatient prescriptiondrug benefit in Medicare began January2006. Despite its importance, the drug benefitis controversial. Instead of paying directlyfor prescriptions, the program will operatethrough competing private plans. Althoughit is too early to assess the full impact of PartD on beneficiaries, health plans and providers,employers, and taxpayers, we can discussthe major tradeoffs that will determine thesuccess of the program. Key issues includewhether market-based approaches will bemore effective than direct government interventionin limiting spending; how will beneficiaries,drug plans, employers, and Statesadapt to the new program; and the balancebetween cost containment and access toinnovative pharmaceuticals