Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and family members can review 2009 Medicare prescription drug and health plan information online in anticipation of open enrollment Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2008, CMS announced today.
CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems warned that it is important for beneficiaries to review their plans because some could experience "significant premium increases."
However, some 97 percent enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plans, will face premiums that are the same or less than their coverage in 2008, Weems said.
CMS anticipates that its online site, the Plan Finder, will average close to one million page views per week, similar to the volume experienced last year.
For the 2008 plan year, more than half a million people enrolled online, a 49-percent increase over the number who enrolled online for the 2007 plan year, CMS said. More than 5.8 million people with Medicare have enrolled online in a drug plan since the program began.
According to CMS officials, the 2009 Plan Finder has several new features, include one that allows beneficiaries to compare prescription drug coverage from both stand-alone prescription drug plans and Medicare plans. Another feature allows beneficiaries to compare Medicare health plan options, such as HMOs and PPOs.
The tool also now allows beneficiaries to compare estimated monthly mail order drug costs with retail drug costs.
The Web site also includes an enhancement that allows users to choose among all less expensive drugs available with similar functions, not just generic products. CMS said it encourages beneficiaries to discuss these alternatives with their physicians.
Weems said marketing to seniors should be more clear this year, as plan providers face tough new laws. "These requirements are intended to protect Medicare beneficiaries from deceptive or high-pressure marketing tactics by insurance companies and their agents," Weems said. "We are broadening our oversight of plans, including expanding our secret shopper program."
CMS provides beneficiaries without Web access plan comparison information by calling 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources, and those who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, may qualify for extra help paying for their Part D premium through the low-income subsidy provided by Medicare.