Effective January 1, 2012, Medicare Part D plan enrollees who are unable to obtain a prescription drug at the pharmacy are now, in most instances, entitled to a written notice explaining how they can contact their Part D plan in order to initiate an … [Read more...] about New Medicare Part D Pharmacy Notice Rule In Effect; Stay Tuned for Final Model Notice
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
2012 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Co-Pays
On October 27, 2011 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) released notices detailing the Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and Deductibles for calendar year 2012. Hospital Deductible: $1,156 per spell of illness Hospital … [Read more...] about 2012 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Co-Pays
Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Once again the Medicare Advantage and Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) is upon us; it's time to contemplate Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage choices for another calendar year. The big news is that the ACEP, … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, … [Read more...] about Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
On April 15, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final regulations to provide policy and technical changes to the Medicare Parts C (Medicare Advantage) and D programs.[1] The regulations address concerns raised … [Read more...] about New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
CMS Sends Out Reminders to LIS-Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries
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
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