Medicare Part D beneficiaries with questions about the prescription drug program can now access more information online. At the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) web site, a tool called the "Drug Plan Finder" should contain information about all available drug plans, according to the Kaiser Network. Users can compare plans across states and learn how to lower costs during gaps in coverage. Kaiser also reports that CMS released an analysis of prescription drug plan savings: … [Read more...] about CMS Offers Online Tools to Help Medicare Part D Beneficiaries
Medicare Part D Coverage News
No good deed goes unpunished. In 2007, private health insurers that provide coverage for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will offer more plans, giving seniors more choices. But such a move will likely confuse beneficiaries already confused by current plan choices. Citing the New York Times, the Kaiser Network reports that health insurers began marketing 2007 drug plans last Sunday. The six-week enrollment period begins on November 15. Premiums more or less will remain the same, … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D Coverage News
Agency Vacancies Create Complications
As I blogged last week, Mark McClellan, current Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) administrator, is set to leave his post. The Hill reports that Andrew von Eschenbach, President Bush’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is facing obstacles to his confirmation. Will the same happen when Bush nominates someone to take over McClellen’s post? According to The Hill, former “senior officials†for CMS and the FDA say that agency replacements face a … [Read more...] about Agency Vacancies Create Complications
Medicare Fee-for-Service Plan Enrollment Increases
As more beneficiaries sign up for Medicare fee-for-service plans, “experts†are concerned that Medicare may be going private, which apparently is a bad thing. Citing a New York Times story, the Kaiser Network reports that fee-for-service enrollments increased tenfold to 820,000 during the last two years. The federal government raised plan subsidies by an average of 11 percent, which some say accounts for the increased enrollment numbers. Chief Executive of the California Medical … [Read more...] about Medicare Fee-for-Service Plan Enrollment Increases
CMS Pressured to Delay Changes to Medical Equipment Medicare Coverage
Unless the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) delays a policy change, schedule to take effect on October 1, certain Medicare beneficiaries will be forced to use medical equipment, such as scooters and wheelchairs, that doesn’t suit their particular needs, say lawmakers and stakeholders. From Medical News Today: Sen. Santorum noted that while the National Coverage Determination revamped the coverage criteria for mobility equipment more than a year ago, "since that time, others … [Read more...] about CMS Pressured to Delay Changes to Medical Equipment Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D Windfall For Drug Companies…For Now
Some Democrats already believe Medicare Part D is a "Republican-engineered windfall†for pharmaceutical companies, but the good fortune may not last, say the experts. (Philadephia Inquirer) According to Verispan, a health information company, Medicare Part D accounted for as much as 13.6 percent (Bristol-Myers Squibb) of drugs sales from January to July. Medicare Part D prescription drugs accounted for 8.8 percent of Pfizer's retail sales, 10.9 percent of Merck's, and 9.5 percent of Eli … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D Windfall For Drug Companies…For Now
Bob Dole Hosts Weekly Medicare Podcast
Senator Bob Dole has gone high-tech. Every Monday, he hosts a podcast called Success: The Benefits of the New Medicare Drug Plan, with interviews from Medicare beneficiaries signed up for the new prescription drug program. (Medical News Today) According to the site, there are 70+ days remaining until the enrollment period starts for Medicare Part D. Dole’s podcast is apparently designed to encourage beneficiaries to enroll. He said, “Now is the time for seniors to learn about their … [Read more...] about Bob Dole Hosts Weekly Medicare Podcast
CMS Chief to Resign
Mark McClellan, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is resigning. McClellen had been CMS chief since March 2004. According to Medical News Today, McClellan is headed to the conservative think tank, American Enterprise Institute. McClellan, born right here in Austin, Texas, oversaw the launch of Medicare's new prescription drug program, Medicare Part D. He is a medical doctor who's served in the federal government since the late 1990s. He is the brother … [Read more...] about CMS Chief to Resign
Pharmaceutical Association Accused of Medicare Conflict of Interest
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has been accused of unethical behavior by "political officials." (Medical News Today) PhRMA is alleged to have given money to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for an advertising campaign praising politicians who voted for Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program. Quoting the AP, Medical News Today reports that Eric Wohlschlegel, spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce, said his agency paid for the ads but didn't say whether … [Read more...] about Pharmaceutical Association Accused of Medicare Conflict of Interest
Pennsylvania to Require PACE Seniors to Enroll in Medicare Drug Plans
Pennsylvania will require low-income seniors currently enrolled in the PACE prescription drug assistance program to enroll in Medicare Part D. (Medical News Today) PACE covers drug costs not covered by Medicare. The state sent letters to Pace enrollees to inform them about their new Medicare plans. Beneficiaries will have 10 days to object to the state's recommendations. After 10 days, the state will enroll beneficiaries in the recommended plans automatically. Apparently, PACE participants … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania to Require PACE Seniors to Enroll in Medicare Drug Plans
