2009 Medicare Part D Premium Hike
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More than 2 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries may face a disruption to their prescription drug coverage in January.
The start of a new Medicare Part D coverage year on January 1, 2009 will bring significant changes for all Medicare Part D enrollees. The scope of difference is dauntingly complex: the private plans that are offering coverage will change; the premiums, deductible and co-pays plans charge will change; the benefits provided by plans will change; and the rules established by plans for accessing those benefits will change.
More than 2 million low-income subsidy (LIS) recipients are enrolled in plans that charge premiums below the subsidy amount in 2008, but above the subsidy amount in 2009. These beneficiaries will have to change plans to avoid paying premiums in 2009. The majority of the beneficiaries will be re-enrolled in a new plan by CMS, while others will need to make the change themselves in order to avoid a premium liability. Either way, these beneficiaries face a disruption of coverage or an increase in costs.
Read NSCLC's report: Musical Chairs: An Analysis of the Part D Annual Reassignment Process
Several news outlets are covering the story:
Deadline near for Medicare drug decision; Waiting could mean insurance coverage delays (Stockton Record, 12/12/08)
Medicare D costs are going up fast (Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 12/05/08)
Medicare drug criticized as unclear (USA Today, 12/03/08)
Report Looks at Medicare Part D Plan Changes (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/20/08)
Medicare rules may force many to switch plans or lose free drug coverage (South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 11/19/2008)
