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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE PART D

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE PART D. Pharmacy Outreach Program The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Updated October 2013. MEDICARE. Medicare provides health insurance for… Aged 65 years or older Aged 65 years or less with certain disabilities

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE PART D

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  1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE PART D Pharmacy Outreach Program The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Updated October 2013

  2. MEDICARE • Medicare provides health insurance for… • Aged 65 years or older • Aged 65 years or less with certain disabilities • All people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) • All people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)

  3. THE PARTS OF MEDICARE • Part A • Hospital insurance • Part B • Medical insurance • Part C • Medicare Advantage Plans • Part D • Prescription drug coverage

  4. Medicare Part A • Covers: • Inpatient hospital care • Skilled nursing facilities (Under certain conditions) • Usually doesn’t require a monthly payment (Premium) • Out-of-pocket deductible for hospital stays (in 2012): • Days 1–60: $1,184 deductible • Days 61–90: $296 coinsurance per day • Days 91-150: $592 coinsurance per day • Beyond day 151: patient pays all costs. • For skilled nursing facilities: • $144.50 per day for days 21 through 100 for each benefit period

  5. Medicare Part B • Helps cover: • Physician services • Durable medical equipment • Physical therapists • Also covers other services and supplies: • Glucose monitors • Test strips • Lancets • Vaccines • There is a monthly premium to enroll • The standard Part B premium for 2013 is $104.90 per month (income based) • In general, automatically deducted from social security checks • The Part B deductible is $147 • Once deductible is paid enrollee generally pays a 20% co-payment for each service

  6. Medicare Advantage (Part C) • Health insurance coverage, including preventative care PLUS prescription drug coverage in a single plan • In exchange, typically must use a certain network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies (HMO, PPO)

  7. Medicare Advantage • 6 plans available in Rhode Island with drug coverage • 2 more plans without drug coverage • If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to add drug coverage you MUST obtain it through your Medicare Advantage provider if they offer it. • If you obtain an independent standalone drug plan instead, your health coverage under the Medicare Advantage plan will stop and you will return to Original Medicare.

  8. Medicare Advantage • Annual Enrollment Period in 2013 • October 15-December 7, 2013 • Can choose to leave current Medicare Advantage plan to switch to an Original Medicare plan • Can add prescription coverage - Part D

  9. MEDICARE PART D • Stand-alone prescription drug coverage • Open to all people eligible for Medicare • Open enrollment begins October 15, 2013 • Enrollment for coverage of the year 2014 ends on December 7, 2013 • Coverage Begins on January 1st, 2014 • Medicare Part D is VOLUNTARY!!

  10. When Can I Enroll in a Part D Plan? • Re-enrollment begins October 15th, 2013! • Your new plan will take effect January 1st, 2014 • If you are happy with your current part D plan, you don’t need to do anything during the re-enrollment period! • Your Med D plan will automatically re-enroll you • But be aware:your premiums, co-pays, formulary, or deductible may be changed for the new year!

  11. Enrollment Info • NEW Open enrollment is from Oct 15 – Dec 7th 2013 of each year • Dates just changed • Coverage begins on January 1, 2014 • If you become eligible for Medicare Part D after the enrollment period, you have a 7 month period to enroll without incurring a penalty • 3 months before, the month of and 3 months after your 65th birthday

  12. Who Should Apply? • People who are enrolled in a Med D plan right now but are thinking about switching to another plan next year • You didn’t sign up for a plan when eligible last time around but you’re thinking of enrolling now • Penalty: 1% increase in premium for every month not enrolled • Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plan but you want to add or change your drug coverage • People who have major changes in the medications they take on a daily basis

  13. Who Does Not Need To Apply • If you have CREDITABLE Coverage: • Creditable Coverage = a plan that provides a prescription drug benefit that is EQUIVALENT or better than Medicare Part D coverage • You would have already been made aware of this by your insurance provider by mail • KEEP THIS LETTER IN A SAFE PLACE** **If you are unsure if your coverage is creditable or not, ask your employer or union for it!**

  14. Penalty Info • If you did not enroll but were eligible to do so • When you enroll now for coverage beginning on Jan.1, 2014 – you will incur a penalty of a premium increase of 1% per month that you were eligible • Will have to wait until 2014 enrollment period to join a Medicare drug plan if don’t do so now! • Average premium 2014 = $31 • 1% of $31 = $0.31 • 12 months penalty= $3.74 • Therefore, $3.74 will be added on to your monthly premium every month forever!

  15. Penalty Info You will not have this penalty enforced: • If you were not previously eligible for Medicare Part D • If you previously had creditable coverage

  16. Part D-IRMAA (Part D income-related monthly adjustment amount) • Those with Medicare Part D that have an annual income above a certain level will have an additional fee added to their monthly premium • Penalty based on gross income reported on the income tax return from 2 years prior • Paid directly to Medicare (aka the Federal government) • It is not collected by Medicare Part D plans

  17. Part D-IRMAA (Part D income-related monthly adjustment amount) • The amount of an individual’s IRMAA will be deducted from any government benefits • (e.g. Social Security) • If sufficient funds are not available, individuals will be billed directly from Medicare • Medicare Part D beneficiaries will be contacted by the Social Security Administration if they are affected by the 2014 IRMAA

  18. Affordable Care Act Changes • Lower costs during “donut hole”: • Patients pay 47.5% of brand name drugs • Patients pay 72% of generic drugs • Better Quality care: • Bonus payments from the government will give incentives to Medicare Advantage plans with better quality care

  19. HOW PART D WORKS • Remember: this is just an explanation of the template used as a general basis for the plans--there are options! • STANDARD PLAN (2014) • $31 per month premium • $310 deductible (some plans don’t have deductibles) • 68% coverage until you’ve paid $2,850 (copay varies by plan) • Limited coverage for the next $4,550 spent • Patient pays 47.5% of Brand Drugs and up to 72% of generic drugs • This is called the coverage gap or “Donut Hole” • 95% coverage beyond the coverage gap (% varies by plan)

  20. HOW PART D WORKS Catastrophic Coverage > $7400 Medicare Pays 95% Donut hole - $2960 – $7400 5% 28%-52.5% 47.5%-72% 32% Co-Insurance : $311-2960 68% 0 - $310 is your Deductible You Pay 100% New Change for Donut hole, will only spend 47.5% out of pocket for brand name and 72% maximum for generic drugs!!!

  21. Think of it as Steps! • Step #1 – The Deductible • You pay 100% and plan pays 0% • You receive $310 worth of medications • Step #2 – Co-insurance • You pay 25% and plan pays 75% • You receive $2,850 worth of medications (Total: Step 1 + Step 2 = $2960) Medicare Pays 95% 5% 28%-52.5% 47.5%-72% 32% 68% You Pay 100%

  22. Think of it as Steps! • Step #3 – The Donut Hole • New changes let you pay • 47.5% of brand drugs • Max of 72% generics • You receive $4,550 worth of medications • Total: Step 1 + Step 2 + Step 3 = $7400 • New discounts! • Step #4 – Catastrophic Coverage • You pay 5% and plan pays 95% • You receive unlimited drugs for the remainder of calendar year Medicare Pays 95% 5% 28%-52.5% 47.5%-72% 32% 68% You Pay 100%

  23. Remember! • Even though you were enrolled in a program last year, you start from the Step #1 all over again on January 1, 2014 • You will continue to pay the premium every month regardless of what step that you are on • Even when in the “donut hole” a person still pays the monthly premium!

  24. Besides Standard Plan… • Must offer basic/standard drug benefit • May offer enhanced benefit • Some have no deductible • Some have help during “donut hole” (coverage gap) • The Premium depends on the enhancements • Mail order options may save costs on maintenance medications (90 days)

  25. Explaination of Benefits • A statement sent by your insurance company telling you which medical services were paid for by them. • Includes: • The service: date/place service provided • Doctors fee and what was paid by them • Remainder that the patient is responsible for • To show you what portion the insurance is paying for and which portion you are.

  26. How Do I Choose The Right Plan? Rx Enrollment Check-Up: • Cost • Will your premium and costschange in 2014? • Coverage • Will you need more comprehensive coverage? • Will your current meds be covered by your plan? • Now that donut hole is partially covered, is switching a better option? • Customer Service • Are you satisfied with your service from your current plan?

  27. Side Note: • If you decide that your current Med D plan will meet your needs in 2014 then you do not need to re-enroll • Coverage will continue through 2014 starting from Step 1

  28. Plans Available in RI for 2014 • Total of 28 prescription plans offered • 12 plans available with NO deductible! • 20 Plans without gap coverage • Monthly premiums start at $12.60 Humana Walmart Rx Plan • 10 Plans with gap coverage • Monthly premiums with gap coverage start at $46.90 and go up to $120.50 • Lowest premiums have only a few brands covered • All Medicare patients are eligible for a Medicare advantage plan

  29. What is a Formulary? • Formulary system • Each plan selects certain drugs from each drug class that they will cover • May have a tier system • May have up to 5 tiers • Generic drugs = cheapest (ex: $5) • Preferred brand names = more expensive (ex: $28) • Non-preferred brand names = most expensive (ex: $40) • Certain injectable and specialty drugs= highest tiers (ex: $58)

  30. Drugs Not Covered Under Most Part D Formularies • Non-FDA approved drugs • Weight loss or gain • Erectile dysfunction • Drugs for cosmetic purposes(hair growth) • Non prescription drugs • Cough & cold relief • Fertility drugs • Prescription vitamins, minerals • Except prenatal vitamins and fluoride preparations

  31. Definitions: • Generics: required to be covered by ALL plans • Chemically identical to brand-name drugs and meet the same standards put forth by the FDA for: Safety, Purity, Effectiveness • Generic drugs can be legally produced in the US if a patent has expired, or for drugs which have never been patented • Prior authorization: may be needed for some medications • Appeal process mandated by insurance company which includes paperwork by the Doctor explaining why you need the drug • Step Therapy: may be required before certain medications will be covered • ex: Prilosec before Nexium, or Motrin before Celebrex • Quantity limits: may be enforced • 30 day quantities retail vs. 90 day mail-order • Some plans DO allow 90 day quantities of maintenance medicines at community pharmacies.

  32. Frequently Asked Questions

  33. Who pays for my vaccines? • Medicare part D must cover all vaccines not covered by part B • Ex: Zostavax (Shingles vaccine) • Vaccines covered by part B • Pneumococcal • Influenza • Hepatitis B • Vaccines necessary to treat a disease or prevent one after direct exposure • Ex: tetanus

  34. WHAT ABOUT MY RIPAE? • You SHOULD keep your RIPAE! • It will provide assistance with the deductible & coverage gap • It is not creditable coverage • You need a Medicare Part D Plan to apply • RIPAE is only available for those enrolled in a Medicare part D plan • Must send in copy of enrollment letter or card • See your SHIP counselor or call The Point for RIPAE information

  35. RIPAE… • Provides extra benefit for those who don’t qualify for extra help from Medicare • Applicable to all expenses that person is 100% responsible for: • Deductible • Coverage gap (“Donut Hole”) • Drugs not covered under your Part D Plan • Only certain ones!

  36. RIPAE… • Eligible: • Single, income less than $45,991 per year • Married, income less than $52,561 per year • The lower the financial category, the higher percentage RIPAE will pay • More information: • 401-462-4444 The Point • Wrong phone number on Medicare & You 2008 Booklet! • Talk to SHIP counselor

  37. What About My Tricare, VA, Pension Benefits? • They are creditable coverage, letters have been sent in mail! • Hold on to these letters! • Contact your pension benefits manager or union if you have any questions

  38. Dual Eligibles(Medicare/Medicaid) • Will automatically be eligible for: • No premium • No deductible • No donut hole • Minimum co-payments ($2.55 generic & $6.35 brand at most) • Have been automatically enrolled in a plan & will be automatically re-enrolled in a plan • Part D plan for 2014 won’t necessarily be the same plan as 2013 • Reassignment notices are being sent out • Enrollment confirmations will follow • If you are “dually eligible,” you can change your plan at any time during the year! Once per month!

  39. What is Extra Help? (Low Income Subsidy) • Federal poverty limits determined by government each year • Best to apply and be formally denied • Many deductions, so apply! • In order to be eligible, a person’s resources must be no greater than the limits established *Includes $1,500 per person burial expenses

  40. “Deemed” Population • Defined as those who had Low Income Subsidy (LIS) for 2013 & are not automatically eligible for 2014 • Notifications being sent out with applications to re-enroll • Does not mean that you are not eligible • You need to reapply!!! • Check with your SHIP counselor or The Point

  41. Ways to Lower Your Drug Costs During the Coverage Gap • Ask your doctor about generic and less expensive brand name drugs (therapeutic substitutions) • Cheaper in the gap • Less likely to hit the gap if avoid brand name medications from the beginning! • Ask your doctor for samples • Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs • Available from the pharmaceutical manufacturers • Contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance • 1-888-477-2669

  42. Ways to Lower Your Drug Costs During the Coverage Gap • State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs • RIPAE • Based on your income, RIPAE will pay 15%, 30%, or 60% of drug cost during coverage gap • Apply for Extra Help • If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help • For more information go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213

  43. New Medicare Changes • Changes in amount covered during the Coverage Gap! • 47.5% for brand name prescriptions (↓ from 50%) • 72% for generic prescriptions (↓ from 79%) • Greater Coverage for preventive medical services • Depression • Cardiovascular Disease • Alcohol Abuse • Obesity

  44. What if I Like A Plan & One of My Drugs is Not Covered? • Options: • Ask your pharmacist about therapeutic substitution • Compare prescription vs. over-the-counter (OTC) options • Nexium $158.00 • Prilosec OTC $21.99 • Omeprazole Rx- lowest cost or co-pay • Always consult with your doctor regarding changes to your medications

  45. Drugs that are Not Covered by ANY Part D Plan • Can still get these drugs but must pay the retail price (“cash”) and it does not count towards out-of-pocket expenses or total drug costs Examples: • Drugs for weight loss, hair loss, and fertility • Drugs covered under Medicare parts A and B • Example: Drugs received while in the hospital, diabetic testing supplies

  46. Medicare Fraud • The vast majority of your health care providers are committed to providing you with high quality care… • However, there are some individuals who cheat the system out of millions of dollars, which results in higher premiums for its members. • Be very cautious when dealing with your Medicare information, & never share it with a medical professional unless you are absolutely certain that they need it. • Never share your Medicare information over the phone with someone else! • Especially if you did not call them.

  47. Using the Internet • Get a complete list of your medications • Include all prescriptions-eye drops, creams, inhalers, patches, etc. • Go to www.Medicare.gov and click on “Formulary Finder” • Follow the prompts and enter your medications • Can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) • Can enroll on line—have your Medicare card ready • CVS and Walgreens both have websites to condense your search of possible plans • Rite Aid has plan finding software, just call your Rite Aid pharmacist and schedule a time to choose a plan

  48. Important Dates to Remember October 1- Compare and Prepare October 15- Open Enrollment Begins December 7- Open Enrollment Ends January 1, 2014- Coverage Begins

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