Medicare Part D

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period ends Thursday, December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can compare coverage options, like Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and choose health and drug plans for 2024. Medicare Advantage and Part D plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year, so people with Medicare should look at their coverage choices and decide on the options that best meet their health needs. Coverage changes made during the open enrollment period take effect January 1, 2024.

This brief highlights Part D plan (PDP) availability. In 2023, the average number of PDPs available to beneficiaries is 24, up one from 2022. A total of 801 PDPs will be offered in the U.S., ranging from 19 in New York to 28 in Arizona.

CMS recently announced the 2023 Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. The standard monthly Part B premium will decrease three percent or $5.20 – the first time in a decade the cost was lowered. CMS attributes the decrease in the Part B premium to lower spending on the Alzheimer drug, Aduhelm, and other Part B items and services.

This technical assistance tool focuses on the new “information sharing” requirement for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans beginning in 2021. The tool explains the new requirement as well as how to address the requirement in mandatory D-SNP contracts.

According to this data brief from the OIG, prescriptions used to treat opioid addiction have increased in recent years. At the same time, prescriptions for opioid painkillers have decreased. These positive results demonstrate the value of awareness, drug treatment, and law enforcement efforts in addressing the crisis.

On Friday, July 15, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published an informational bulletin to provide an update on the next steps for the annual redetermination of Medicare Part D low-income subsidy (LIS) deemed status, also known as “re-deeming.” The information provided is aimed to help states understand the process and their role in ensuring that dual eligible beneficiaries have timely, affordable, and comprehensive coverage under Medicare Part D.