March 2016 Update:CMS is now delaying enforcement of the Part D Prescriber Enrollment Requirements until February 1, 2017.Nevertheless, prescribers of Part D drugs should submit their Medicare enrollment applications or opt-out affidavits to … [Read more...] about Attention Patients and Prescribers of Part D Drugs
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
Remove Barriers to Obtaining Medicare Covered Drugs
Low income racial and ethnic minority beneficiaries are adversely affected by prescription drug pricing, a problem that has a negative impact on overall Medicare program costs. A 2011 International Journal of Health Services study estimates … [Read more...] about Remove Barriers to Obtaining Medicare Covered Drugs
Office of Inspector General Authorizes Hospitals to Discount or Waive Certain Drug Charges for Patients Classified as “Outpatients”
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a statement on October 30, 2015 that advises hospitals that it will not administratively sanction them if they discount or waive charges for an … [Read more...] about Office of Inspector General Authorizes Hospitals to Discount or Waive Certain Drug Charges for Patients Classified as “Outpatients”
Assistance with Paying for Prescription Drugs
This page focuses on programs that help Medicare beneficiaries acquire necessary medications, although many of the programs discussed are not limited to that population. Many Americans who are still feeling the effects of the recession are … [Read more...] about Assistance with Paying for Prescription Drugs
Department of Health and Human Services Forum on Drug Pricing and Innovation
On November 20, 2015, Center staff attended a one day symposium hosted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entitled “HHS Pharmaceutical Forum: Innovation, Access, Affordability & Better Health.” The … [Read more...] about Department of Health and Human Services Forum on Drug Pricing and Innovation
Kaiser Family Foundation Releases Reports on MA and Part D in 2016
In a report entitled “Medicare Part D: A First Look at Plan Offerings in 2016” (October 2015), the Kaiser Family Foundation analyzed the Part D market in 2016 and found, among other things, that:In 2016, beneficiaries in each … [Read more...] about Kaiser Family Foundation Releases Reports on MA and Part D in 2016
Final 2016 CMS Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D Released
Every year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues payment, performance and other rules that apply to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans that choose to participate in the Medicare program in the following calendar year. … [Read more...] about Final 2016 CMS Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D Released
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments to Draft 2016 Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D
Every year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases a draft of payment, performance and other rules that apply to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans that choose to participate in the Medicare program in the following … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments to Draft 2016 Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D
2016 Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D Final Rule Issued
On February 12, 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published final rules entitled “Medicare Program; Contract Year 2016 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit … [Read more...] about 2016 Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D Final Rule Issued
Update on MA and Part D Plans
A Brief Survey of Recent Reports, and a New Special Enrollment Period for 2015Medicare's Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans began on October 15th and runs through December 7th. During the … [Read more...] about Update on MA and Part D Plans