Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Acting Administrator Kerry Weems announced the 2009 Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plan options Thursday.
Weems said 97 percent of beneficiaries enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plan would have access to 2009 plans whose premiums would be the same or less than their coverage in 2008.
"As we enter the fourth year of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, we continue to see high satisfaction rates among beneficiaries and high participation among plans," said Weems. "However, plans do change their offerings from year to year. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. We encourage individual beneficiaries to review how their plans are changing and what other options are available to them to determine which plan best meets their needs."
Medicare beneficiaries in every state except Alaska will have access to at least one prescription drug plan with premiums of less than $20 a month, Weems noted; in Alaska, beneficiaries will have access to one prescription drug plan at $23 a month.
Those who qualify for the full Medicare subsidy will pay no premiums or deductibles in these plans. The national average monthly premium for the basic Medicare drug benefit in 2009 is projected to average approximately $28.
Medicare beneficiaries will continue to have access to prescription drug plans that offer a range of design options, including zero deductible plans. Weems said plans with coverage in the gap for generics are available in every state.
In 2009, all Medicare beneficiaries will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, and Weems said most beneficiaries continue to have access to Medicare Advantage plans that have prescription drug coverage, called MA-PDs. He said more than 93 percent of people with Medicare would have access to a MA-PD with no premium and no drug deductible.
The marketing of 2009 plans will begin October 1 under new marketing requirements instituted by CMS.
"These new requirements are meant to protect Medicare beneficiaries from deceptive or high-pressure marketing tactics by insurance companies and their agents," said Weems.
CMS officials will conduct a number of outreach events this fall to help new beneficiaries and those already enrolled understand their plan choices. Details about the specific plans in each region will be available in mid-October.
"We want to make sure that every beneficiary knows where to go for individualized advice and counseling," said Weems. "Beneficiaries should expect to hear from the health and prescription drug plans in their communities and should be assured that CMS has new oversight tools available to ensure they have a positive experience."
Open enrollment for prescription drug coverage begins November 15 and ends December 31.