Medicare
Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the cost sharing limits for the standard Medicare Part D plan. Earlier this month, CMS announced the adjustments for 2020. Below is a summary of the adjustments for next year:
The term “Medicare for All” has been making headlines recently. Democrats across the country have made this concept a central part of their platforms, and polls have shown that more than half of Americans are in favor of it.
But what does it really mean? Well, the best answer is that it means different things to different people.
Annual Medicare Part D reporting is required for all employers who provide health benefits with prescription drug coverage. The reporting is an online filing to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS), and it lets CMS know if the prescription drug coverage available on the employer’s health plan is “creditable.”
You may be familiar with Medicare’s open enrollment period (OEP) which occurs each fall. From October 15th until December 7th of each year, Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan of their choice. This includes enrolling in a plan for the first time or changing to a new plan.
Last week, the 2019 open enrollment period (OEP) season officially kicked off for Medicare beneficiaries. From October 15th to December 7th, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes or enroll in any Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that is available in their service area.
Below is a summary of OEPs for other market segments.
Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries. Below is a summary of the 2019 costs.
Premiums
Part A: Most individuals don't have to pay a premium for Part A, however, those that do will generally have to pay $437 per month in 2019. This is an increase from $422 in 2018.
Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible employees who are covered under their group health plan. The notice must include information about the creditable coverage status of the prescription drug benefit. In other words, the notice tells employees if the prescription drug benefit on the group health plan is at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D plan.