Training materials written and updated by various staff at the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources program since 2005. This outline, updated for the 2010 Part D enrollment period, which begins November 15, 2009 covers the basic design of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, the Extra Help subsidy for low income beneficiaries, how Part D works with other types of drug coverage including EPIC and Medicaid, and how to get Extra Help by using the Medicare Savings Program.
Medicare Part D 2010 - Overview and Outline
This Appendix contains charts, forms, and plan lists referenced in the outline described above.
The above outlines describe the Part D program and how it works in New York -- how it works with New York Medicaid, EPIC, ADAP, and other programs. For more national materials on Medicare Part D and other Medicare topics, see the Medicare Rights Center website and its Medicare Interactive website.
Transition Policy - In this March 25, 2010 Memo, CMS reminded all Part D plans that they must have a "transition policy," under which they must provide a temporary supply of a non-formulary drug to new enrollees for a specified period of time, allowing them time to either request an exception from the formulary or to work with their physician to switch to a drug on the plan's formulary. The memo includes a summary of all transition policies for different types of beneficiaries. Transition policies are also explained on this Medicare Interactive. article.
Medicare Part D Appeals -- See the Medicare Part D Appeals Manual by Medicare Rights Center (March 2009).
This article was authored by the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program of Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.
