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The 2021 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines determine the income level requirements for people applying for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as the "Extra Help" program that helps pay Medicare prescription drug costs.

The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) income brackets became inflation adjusted in 2020.  Consequently, people with an annual income under $165,000 who are at the low end of their . . .

CMS released the 2021 low-income premium subsidy amounts (or Benchmark premiums) for Medicare Part D plans on July 29, 2020. In 2021, four regions will lower their Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) benchmark premiums and 30 regions will increase their benchmark premium.

If the retail value of your formulary drug purchases are over $345, you will enter the 2021 Donut Hole and, as was true in 2020, you will receive a 75% discount for all formulary drugs while in the Coverage Gap.

On January 15, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final 2022 Announcement that included the 2022 defined standard benefits for Medicare Part D prescription drug plan coverage.

The 2020 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines determine the income level requirements for people applying for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as the "Extra Help" program that helps pay Medicare prescription drug costs.

If the total retail cost of your formulary medications is over $345 per month, you will exceed your Medicare Part D plan's $4,130 Initial Coverage Limit and enter the Donut Hole or Coverage Gap sometime in 2021.

On February 5, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2021 Advance Notice and Draft Call Letter that included the 2021 proposed defined standard benefits for Medicare Part D prescription drug plan coverage - and proposed changes to Medicare plans.

Starting in 2020, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) income brackets will be adjusted for inflation.  Consequently, people at the low end of their 2019 IRMAA income bracket wil . . .

CMS released the 2020 low-income premium subsidy amounts (or Benchmark premiums) for Medicare Part D plans on July 31, 2019, and in 2020, 33 regions will lower their Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) benchmark premiums and only 1 region will raise their benchmark premium.

The Donut Hole (or Coverage Gap) is a term used to describe a "gap" or pause in your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage where - prior to 2011 - you were 100% responsible for the cost of your . . .

Updated  2/5/2020 See:  2020 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL): 2020 LIS Qualifications and Benefits   (https://Q1News.com/812.html) The 2019 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidel . . .

On April 1st, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2020 Announcement and Final Call Letter that includes the defined standard benefits parameters for 2020 Medicare Part . . .

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans expressly excludes coverage for vitamins - although some Medicare plans do cover "excluded" drugs such as B-12 vitamin injections as "Bonus" or Supplemental dru . . .

On September 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided notice to UnitedHealthcare of Arkansas, Inc. (“United of Arkansas”) (contract H3464), UnitedHealth . . .

On September 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided notice to Triple-S Advantage, Inc. (“Triple-S”) that CMS has made a determination to prohibit the enr . . .

On September 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided notice to MMM Healthcare, LLC (“MMM Healthcare”) that CMS has made a determination to prohibit the en . . .

As a reminder, don’t forget that there were some key changes to the Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage programs in 2020 and these changes are worth emphasizing as we head toward the 2022 ann . . .

The August 2021 Medicare Part D plan formulary (or drug list) updates included 39 new drug codes or NDCs representing 25 different medications, including 14 new generics. The NDC uniquely identifie . . .

As you may know, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans update their plan formularies (drug lists) throughout the plan year and the August 2021 Medicare Part D formulary updates included 25 new drug . . .

The August 2021 Medicare Part D plan drug list updates include nine (9) newly-introduced generic drugs - and three (3) newly-introduced brand-name drugs, including: FOTIVDA®, QELBREE®, and THYQUIDITY®.

Based on the newly released national base Medicare Part D premium, 2022 Part D Late-Enrollment Penalties will increase slightly - and the maximum late-enrollment penalty can now reach up to $749 for the year.

Based on the 2022 Medicare Part D plan bids and current plan enrollment, the 2022 average weighted Part D premium is projected to be approximately $33 per month, an increase of $2.50 from the $30.50 per month premium projected for 2021.

CMS released the 2022 low-income premium subsidy amounts (or Benchmark premiums) for Medicare Part D plans on July 29, 2021. In 2022, two regions will lower their Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) benchmark premiums and 32 regions will increase their benchmark premium.

If the retail value of your formulary drug purchases are over $370, you will enter the 2022 Donut Hole and, you will receive a 75% discount for all formulary drugs while in the Coverage Gap.

October 1st.   2022 Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan information will be officially released October 1st and will be included on the Medicare.gov Plan Finder website. If you a . . .

If the total retail cost of your formulary medications is over $370 per month, you will exceed your Medicare Part D plan's $4,430 Initial Coverage Limit and enter the Donut Hole or Coverage Gap sometime in 2022.

The June 2021 Medicare Part D plan drug list updates include five (5) newly-introduced generic drugs - and six (6) newly-introduced brand-name drugs, including: GEMTESA®, IMPAVIDO®, LUCEMYRA®, RELTONE®, UKONIQ®, and ZILXI®.

As you may know, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans update their plan formularies (drug lists) throughout the plan year and the June 2021 Medicare Part D formulary updates included 29 new drugs, . . .