Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
Broker/Employer Resources

Starting January 1, 2006, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage becomes available to all people enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B, regardless of income, health status, or current health care coverage.

The Medicare Part D drug benefit will only be available through one of two private drug plans: Standalone Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) and Medicare private health plan (i.e., an HMO, PPO or PFFS)

The following listing provides information and resources on the varied & complex aspects of the Medicare Part D plans. Brokers seeking clarification or additional resources on Medicare Part D may call Claremont Insurance at (800) 696-4543.

Documents

Explaining Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for Employers & Unions

Retiree Drug Subsidy: Why Employers & Union Plan Sponsors Should Consider It

Employers/Unions & Medigap Issuers Guidance – Which Notice of Creditable Coverage to Provide?

Comparing Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. Includes worksheet.

	Cost	(premiums, deductibles and payments)
	Coverage	(important issues around what and how drugs are covered)
	Convenience	(pharmacy and mail-order options)

	CA Medicare Advantage, Cost Plans, and Demonstrations
	Allows enrollees to add drug coverage to the Original Medicare plan, and to Medicare Advantage and other Medicare Health Plans through a standalone Rx drug plan (PDP).

	CA Medicare D Advantage Standalone Prescription Drug Plans Medicare
	Allows enrollees to add drug coverage to the Original Medicare plan, and to Medicare Advantage and other Medicare Health Plans through a standalone Rx drug plan (PDP).

	MediCare Part D Formulary
	formularyfinder.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectstate.asp
	Allows visitors to search drug formularies by state, then name of drug.

Producer Guide to the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

BS Notice of Rx Non-Creditable Coverage (PPO)

BS Notice of Rx Creditable Coverage (PPO)

BS Notice of Rx Creditable Coverage (HMO)

BS Important News About Rx Drug Coverage For Medicare-Eligible Members

Health Net Employer Guide to Medicare Part D

	Medicare and You
	The official government handbook on Medicare Part D (104 pages)

	Medicare Part D Basic Info
	Basic information about the Medicare Part D Program.

	FAQs about Retiree Rx Coverage & Medicare Part D
	Frequently asked questions compiled by the Center for Medicare & Medicare Services.

	BenefitsCheckUpRx
	www.benefitscheckuprx.org
	A decision support & enrollment service to assist Medicare enrollees & other adults in learning about & enrolling in government benefits, including Medicare Part D. From the Dept of Health & Human Services.

	California Department of Aging
	www.aging.ca.gov/html/local%20aaa/AAA_listing.html
	The California Department of Aging contracts with and provides leadership and direction to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) that coordinate a wide array of services to seniors and adults with disabilities at the community level and serve as the focal point for local aging concerns. You can locate an AAA in your area by calling 1-800-510-2020

	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
	www.cms.hhs.gov
	A comprehensive site featuring fact sheets, handouts, maps, projected dates, and more.

	Medicare
	www.medicare.gov
	The official U.S. government site for people with Medicare. Serves as a clearinghouse for all information related to Medicare Part D.

	Medicare Rights Center
	www.medicarerights.org
	Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. Founded in 1989, MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care. This website lists the Medicare Drug Coverage 101 – a thorough summary of all Medicare Part D questions.