The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is sending "Choosers Reminder Notices" to approximately 944,000 Medicare beneficiaries who are eligible for the Part D low-income subsidy (LIS). The notices, … [Read more...] about CMS Sends Out Reminders to LIS-Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
Help Someone Retain Part D Extra Help
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released state by state information on numbers of individuals whose Part D low income subsidy (extra help) will end March 31 if they do not respond to SSA’s request for information concerning their … [Read more...] about Help Someone Retain Part D Extra Help
Extension of Time to Enroll In a Prescription Drug Plan for Medicare Beneficiaries Who Lost Coverage
Some Medicare beneficiaries lost prescription drug coverage at the end of 2010 because their Medicare Advantage (MA) plan or prescription drug plan (PDP) either did not renew its contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or … [Read more...] about Extension of Time to Enroll In a Prescription Drug Plan for Medicare Beneficiaries Who Lost Coverage
2011 Poverty Levels Affect Eligibility for Many Federal Programs
Federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines for 2011 were published in the Federal Register January 20, 2011. 76 FR 3637 (January 20, 2011). The guidelines provide the baseline for eligibility levels for many public benefits, including health … [Read more...] about 2011 Poverty Levels Affect Eligibility for Many Federal Programs
45 Day Disenrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Members
Starting this year, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) has been replaced by a new Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which lasts from January 1st through February 14th.[1] During the MADP, one can switch from an MA plan … [Read more...] about 45 Day Disenrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Members
The Center for Medicare Advocacy Applauds HHS for Making It Simpler for Medicare Beneficiaries to Choose A Drug Plan in 2011
October 7, 2010For Immediate Release Contact: Judith Stein, (860) 456-7790 jstein@medicareadvocacy.orgVicki Gottlich, (202) 293-5760 vgottlich@medicareadvocacy.orgThe Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., a national, non-profit organization … [Read more...] about The Center for Medicare Advocacy Applauds HHS for Making It Simpler for Medicare Beneficiaries to Choose A Drug Plan in 2011
Court Emphatically Rejects Beneficiaries’ Right to Sue a Part D Plan When the Plan Delays Enrollment
In a lengthy, detailed, and complex decision, a federal appellate court rejected the right of Part D beneficiaries to sue a plan for damages when the plan fails to enroll them in a timely manner.[1] The decision, which was issued on August 31, 2010, … [Read more...] about Court Emphatically Rejects Beneficiaries’ Right to Sue a Part D Plan When the Plan Delays Enrollment
CMA REPORT: MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OFF-LABEL DRUG USE
September, 2010While the Medicare prescription drug benefit provides assistance for many people with their drug costs, the requirements for coverage of the off-label use of a drug are onerous and often result in beneficiaries not being able to … [Read more...] about CMA REPORT: MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OFF-LABEL DRUG USE
Health Reform in Action: Donut Hole Rebate Checks Start Arriving June 10, 2010
Medicare beneficiaries who enter the prescription drug coverage gap (known as the "Donut Hole") anytime before the end 2010 should receive a one time $250 rebate check from Medicare. The first checks, for people who hit the Donut Hole … [Read more...] about Health Reform in Action: Donut Hole Rebate Checks Start Arriving June 10, 2010
LI NET: More Help for Dually-Eligible People
In 2006 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created the "Point-of-Sale Facilitated Enrollment" (POS) process, administered by WellPoint. The purpose of the POS is to assist people who are dually eligible for Medicare and … [Read more...] about LI NET: More Help for Dually-Eligible People