Pharmacy Outreach Program The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Updated October 2009
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)
THE PARTS OF MEDICARE Part A Hospital insurance Part B Medical insurance
Medicare Advantage Plans
Part D Prescription drug coverage
Medicare Part A Covers: Inpatient hospital care Skilled nursing facilities (Under
certain conditions)
Typically doesn’t require a monthly
payment (Premium) Does require out-of-pocket deductible for
hospital stays (in 2010): $1,100 of 1-60 days $275 per day co-pay for days 61-90 $550 per day co-pay for days 91-150 All costs beyond 150 days For skilled nursing facilities: $137.50 per day for days 21 through 100 for each benefit period
Helps cover:
Medicare Part B
Physician services Some physical and occupational therapists Some home healthcare
Also covers other services and
supplies: Glucose monitors Test strips Lancets
There is a monthly premium to enroll The standard Part B premium for 2009 is
$96.40 per month (income based) In general, automatically deducted from social security checks 2010 annual deductible of $155.00 Once deductible is paid enrollee generally pays a 20% co-payment for each service
Medicare Advantage ď‚— Health insurance
coverage, including preventative care PLUS prescription drug coverage in a single plan
ď‚— In exchange, typically
must use a certain network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies (HMO, PPO)
Medicare Advantage 12 plans available in Rhode Island
**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 you obtain an independent standalone
drug plan instead, your health coverage under the Medicare Advantage plan will stop.
MEDICARE PART D Stand-alone prescription drug coverage Open to all people eligible for Medicare Open enrollment begins November 15, 2009 Enrollment for coverage of the year 2010
ends on December 31, 2009 Coverage Begins on January 1st, 2010
Medicare Part D is VOLUNTARY!!
When Can I Enroll in a Part D Plan? Re-enrollment begins November 15th, 2009! Your new plan will take effect January 1st, 2010 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
your premiums, co-pays, formulary, or deductible may be changed for the new year!
But be aware:::::
Enrollment Info Open enrollment is from
Nov.15-Dec 31st of each year Coverage begins on January 1, 2010 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 the month of your 65th birthday
Who Should Apply? People who are enrolled in a Med D plan right now,
year
but thinking about switching to another plan next
You didn’t sign up for a plan when eligible
now
last time around but you’re thinking of enrolling
Penalty for every month without coverage
Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medigap
Supplemental Insurance Plan but you want to add or change your drug coverage
Who Doesn’t Need To Apply If you have CREDITABLE Coverage: This means that you already are enrolled in a plan that provides a
prescription drug benefit that is EQUIVALENT or better than that being offered through Medicare Part D
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!**
Penalty Info If you did not enroll but were eligible to do so,
when you enroll now for coverage beginning on Jan.1, 2010- you will incur a penalty of 1% per month of average premium
Will have to wait until Nov 15- Dec 31, 2010 to
join a Medicare drug plan if don’t do so now!
Average premium 2009 = $38.85 1% of $38.85 = $0.39 12 months penalty= $4.66 Therefore, $4.66 will be added unto your monthly premium every month forever!
Penalty Info You will not have this penalty enforced: ď‚—
If you were not previously eligible for Medicare Part D
ď‚—
If you previously had creditable coverage
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 (2010) $38.85 per month premium ($466.20/year) $310 deductible 75% coverage from $310 to $2,830 NO coverage from $2,830 to $6,440
This is called the coverage gap or
“Donut Hole”
95% coverage beyond $6,440 Equivalent to $4,550 dollars out of pocket spending
Over $6440 $2830 – 6440 $310 - 2830 $0 - 310
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% ($630) and plan pays 75% ($1890) You receive $2520 worth of medications (Total: Step 1 + Step 2 = $2830)
Think of it as Steps! Step #3 – The Donut Hole You pay 100% and plan pays 0% You receive $3610 worth of medications Total: Step 1 + Step 2 + Step 3 = $6440 Step #4 – Catastrophic
Coverage
You pay 5% and plan
pays 95% You receive unlimited drugs for the remainder of calendar year
Remember!
Even though you were enrolled in a program last year, you start from the Step #1 all over again on January 1, 2010
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
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)
How Do I Choose The Right Plan? Rx Enrollment Check-Up: Cost Will your premium and costs change in 2010?
Coverage Will you need more comprehensive coverage? Will your current meds be covered by your plan?
Customer Service Are you satisfied with your service from your
current plan?
Side Note: ď‚— If you decide that your
current Med D plan will meet your needs in 2010 then you do not need to re-enroll ď‚— Coverage will continue
through 2010 starting from Step 1
Plans Available in RI for 2010 Total of 48 plans offered 19 plans available with NO deductible! 38 Plans without gap coverage Monthly premiums without gap coverage start at $10.80
& range from $10.80 – $77.70 12 PDPs have $0 premium if qualify for extra help
10 Plans with gap coverage Monthly premiums with gap coverage start at $59.30 Lowest premiums have only generic coverage All medicare patients are eligible for a medicare
advantage plan
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
Drugs Not Covered Under Most Part D Formularies Benzodiazepines
Drugs for cosmetic
Barbiturates
purposes or hair growth Fertility drugs Prescription vitamins, minerals
Weight loss Erectile dysfunction Cough & cold relief Non prescription
drugs
Except prenatal vitamins
and fluoride preparations
Definitions: Generics: will be required to be covered by ALL plans Chemically identical to brand-name drugs and meet the same rigorous standards put
forth by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) 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
involving the MD
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my vaccines? Now 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
WHAT ABOUT MY RIPAE? You SHOULD keep your RIPAE! It will provide coverage throughout the deductible & coverage gap BUT, it is not creditable coverage You need a Medicare Part D Plan too Starting January 2009, RIPAE will only be
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
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!
RIPAE… Eligible: Single, income less than $42,493 per year Married, income less than $48,563 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
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
Dual Eligibles (Medicare/Medicaid) Will automatically be eligible for:
No premium No deductible No donut hole Minimum co-payments ($1.10 generic & $3.30 brand)
Have been automatically enrolled in a plan
& will be automatically re-enrolled in a plan
Part D plan for 2010 won’t necessarily
be the same plan as 2009
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!
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
LIS level
Single*
Married*
Full Subsidy LIS Resource Limit
$8,100
$12,910
All Other LIS Resource Limit
$12,510
$25,010
*Includes $1,500 per person burial expenses
“Deemed” Population Defined as those who had Low Income Subsidy
(LIS) for 2009 & are not automatically eligible for 2010
Notifications being sent out with applications to re-enroll
Does not mean that you are not eligible Reapply!!! Check with your SHIP counselor or The Point
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 National & Community Based Charitable Programs For specialty drugs Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs Available from the pharmaceutical manufacturers Contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance
1-888-477-2669
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
President Obama’s Plan Proposed to cut in half the
prescription drug expenses of those who fall into the dreaded Part D doughnut hole! This means you would only pay
50% of the cost of brand-name medications in the gap – instead of the 100%you pay now!
If passed, it would go into
effect in July 2010…
What if I Like A Plan & One of My Drugs is Not Covered? Options: Ask your pharmacist about therapeutic substitution Compare prescription vs. over-thecounter (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
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: Benzodiazepines
alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam
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
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!
Medicare Fraud Medicare fraud is purposely billing Medicare for
services that were never provided or received.
Billling Medicare or another insurer for services or items you never got.
Billing Medicare for services or equipment which are different from what you got.
Use of another person’s Medicare card to get medical care, supplies, or equipment.
Billing Medicare for home medical equipment after it has been returned.
www.medicare.gov
Medicare Fraud The Do’s and Don’ts Don't give out your Medicare Health Insurance
Claim Number (on your Medicare card) except to your physician or other Medicare provider.
Don’t give out social security or credit card numbers Don't allow anyone, except appropriate medical
professionals, to review your medical records or recommend services.
Don't contact your physician to request
a service that you do not need.
www.medicare.gov
Medicare Fraud The Do’s and Don’ts Do be careful in accepting Medicare services
that are represented as being free.
Do be cautious when you are offered free
testing or screening in exchange for your Medicare card number.
Do be cautious of any provider who
maintains they have been endorsed by the Federal government or by Medicare.
Do avoid a provider of health care items or
services who tells you that the item or service is not usually covered, but they know how to bill Medicare to get it paid. www.medicare.gov
Using the Internet Get a complete list of your medications & the cash price
from the pharmacy 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
Important Dates to Remember October- Compare and Prepare November 15- Open Enrollment Begins December 8- Don’t Be Late December 31- Open Enrollment Ends January 1, 2010- Coverage Begins
***Next Open Enrollment Period is not until November 15December 31, 2010***
In summary…. No single plan is best for everyone You must pick the plan that’s right for YOU!
Yes, it is confusing! Don’t be afraid to ask for help: The Point!!! (401) 462-4444 SHIP counselors at your local Senior Center Dept. of Elderly affairs (401) 462-4000 Ask a relative or friend to help you navigate the Web Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 Pharmacy Outreach Program 1-800-215-9001
www.uri.edu/pharmacy/outreach
THANK YOU!