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Medicare Part D Prescription Drug

The New Law and Medicare Part D

Well, just as we are finishing up the annual federal and carrier Medicare Advantage and Part D certifications for 2023, the US House and Senate passed a bill (H.R. 5376 titled Inflation Reduction Act of 2022) which includes some important changes to the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some of these changes take effect […]

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Part D Prescription Drug

The 2021 Medicare Part D Drug Plan Phases

During the first quarter of the new year I often receive this question: “Dan, I went to refill my prescription and was quoted almost double what I paid in December.” Here’s why. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1 and benefit levels start again at the first of four phases. […]

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Medicare

Medicare policy on antirejection drugs imperils kidney transplants

“Medicare spends $86,300 a year per patient on dialysis” “The upfront cost of a kidney transplant is about $110,000.” “…coverage of immunotherapy under Medicare Part B is approximately $2,300 per year.” But, apparently, Medicare Part B limits immunotherapy to three years after which the transplant patient must choose between i) paying for the immunotherapy out […]

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Part D Prescription Drug

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Deductible – How Does It Work?

A client called this morning and asked this question: “Dan, I went to refill my prescription and was quoted almost double what I paid in 2018.“ Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1. What that means is the prescription drug benefit levels start over at what is called the Deductible […]

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Part D Prescription Drug

Phase 1: The Prescription Drug Deductible

It’s early January which means Medicare Prescription Drug payment phases have just reset. And I hear this question: “Dan, I just went to refill my medication and the pharmacist quoted me a co-pay almost double what I paid in December.” Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1. What that means […]

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Part D Prescription Drug Uncategorized

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

Q: “Dan, I just received a letter stating I will have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty next year for not having a drug plan during the months of February through December, 2017. What’s this all about?” A: “Sam, after you turned 65 in October 2016 you had individual coverage with prescription drug […]