Starting this year, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) has been replaced by a new Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which lasts from January 1st through February 14th.[1] During the MADP, one can switch from an MA plan …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
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
The Center for Medicare Advocacy Applauds HHS for Making It Simpler for Medicare Beneficiaries to Choose A Drug Plan in 2011
October 7, 2010 For Immediate Release Contact: Judith Stein, (860) 456-7790 jstein@medicareadvocacy.org Vicki Gottlich, (202) 293-5760 vgottlich@medicareadvocacy.org The 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, 2010 While 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
Part Covered, Part Not: "Straddle Claims" in Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D coverage is complex, particularly when a prescription drug claim crosses multiple phases of the benefit. These "straddle claims" make it particularly challenging to determine what a beneficiary owes, but it is important to be … [Read more...] about Part Covered, Part Not: "Straddle Claims" in Medicare Part D
ADAPs to Offer Free Hepatitis C Drugs
Patients enrolled in AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) with chronic hepatitis C will now have free access to a new combination drug therapy. Schering-Plough Corporation announced in late February that it will provide a new combination … [Read more...] about ADAPs to Offer Free Hepatitis C Drugs
MS Drug, Tysabri, Suspended
On February 28, 2005 the manufacturers of Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, announced the voluntary suspension of the Multiple Sclerosis drug from the market and from all clinical trials. According to the companies’ press … [Read more...] about MS Drug, Tysabri, Suspended