More Beneficiaries in MA plans Will Qualify for Free Pharmacy Consultation Services in 2010
Currently, Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries with at least $4,000 worth of annual drug costs are eligible for pharmacy consultations at no cost. These consultations are provided to ensure: 1) people understand…
Got Complaints About the National Shortage of Generic High Blood Pressure Medication?
Have you heard complaints that prescriptions for metoprolol succinate ER, one of the generic versions of the beta blocker medication Toprol XL, can’t be filled due to a national shortage…
New Marketing Rules Fail to Cure Problems in the Medicare Marketplace
We recently published an issue brief exploring how the new marketing rules for the sale of Medicare Part C and D plans have failed to cure the problems in Medicare’s…
CHA Comments on CMS’ Proposed Rules on New Compensation Limits for Agents Selling Medicare Part C & D Plans
CHA recently submitted comments drafted jointly with various advocacy organizations on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed rules. The comments reveal how proposed compensation rules actually encourage…
Reviewing TrOOP and a Little-Known “Cash Price Policy” — Do You Know What Costs Count?
Calls regarding what to do while in the Part D donut hole continue to pour in on California Health Advocates’ helpline, comprising 25-30% of all calls this fall. These numbers…
CMS Releases New Medicare Part D Claims Data – Highlights on Beneficiary Costs Part D Benefit Use
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) just released information on drug claims for the 25 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D. The Medicare Part D Data…
Need Help in the Part D Donut Hole? – A Review of PAPs and the Co-Pay Relief Program
Between 15-26% of California Health Advocates’ (CHA) hotline calls this past summer were concerning Part D coverage, particularly questions about what to do when reaching the coverage gap referred to…
CMS Issues Updated Best Available Evidence Policy Memo to Part D Plans
On August 4, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo about a new process to the Best Available Evidence (BAE) policy to all sponsors of…
Guide to CMS, SSA and Medicare Plan Mailings for Beneficiaries this Fall
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published a chart outlining the various letters and notices beneficiaries, particularly those with low-incomes, will be receiving this fall from CMS,…
Medicare Part D Lawsuit Settlement Helps Shorten Delays in Getting Medication for Low-Income Beneficiaries
Tens of thousands of low-income Americans who become eligible for Medicare each month will no longer have to wait weeks for subsidized prescription drug coverage under a new settlement with…
