Beneficiaries of Medicaid can continue buying prescription drugs at a low cost once they become eligible for Medicare, according to a class action lawsuit settlement. (Kaiser Network)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the settlement last week. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 6.2 million “dual eligible” Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the 2003 Medicare law, dual eligibles are supposed to receive assistance for buying prescription drugs, but beneficiaries were charged up to $75 or more, as opposed to co-payments of fewer than $5, because agencies, insurers, and pharmacies didn’t share information about beneficiaries’ low-income status.
As part of the settlement, agencies and companies will share this information, with time limits placed on submitting names and processing claims.