MEMORANDUM
2006 Memorandums
IM-2      01/13/06

SUBJECT:

MEDICARE PART D UPDATE

DISCUSSION:

The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has informed the states that they now have 4500 operators working the 1-800-MEDICARE phone lines. The operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals can also contact the following for more information:

CMS has notified all the drug companies involved in the Part D program again of their responsibility to have information lines available for the Part D beneficiaries. The pharmacy network has also been advised of their responsibility to help the dual-eligibles, who were missed on the auto-enrollment, enroll in a plan and ensure they get their January approved medications when they appear at the pharmacy.

Individuals who enrolled in a plan late and whose Part D coverage does not begin until February 1, 2006, can also contact a participating pharmacy and get their drugs through the WELLPOINT contingency plan.

Individuals who have enrolled in a plan but are unable to obtain their prescriptions can call CMS Regional Office Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-816-426-5783. CMS staff will also be available the weekend of January 14 thru Monday January 16. The CMS Regional Office also has a toll-free complaint hotline: 1-866-371-0673 where individuals can leave messages.

REMINDER --- Medicaid will not pay for any drugs covered under Medicare Part D if the individual is on traditional Medicaid or Spenddown when they also have Medicare.

NECESSARY ACTION:

GLS

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