2005 News Archives

December 29, 2005

CMS recently released information on important pharmacy operational details due to concerns pharmacies expressed about barriers to access.
» Click here to read an introduction to Pharmacy transactions.
» PDF Click here to read the specific guidance from CMS on pharmacy transactions for PDPs.

Detailed information on PDP transition policies is now available.
» Click here for more information.
» XLS Click here to download a Microsoft Excel chart of the PDP transition policies to be able to sort by state.
» PDF Click here to download the entire chart in PDF format.

The Medicare Rights Center lawsuit against CMS to protect prescription drug access for dual eligibles has been denied in federal court.
» Click here to read the full press release.

For a complete list and contact information for CMS Regional Office Part D Assistance Centers, please click here.

December 20, 2005

New APA state-by-state survey examines Medicaid drug coverage policies for Part D transition.
» Click here to read the full press release.

December 15, 2005

CMS recently announced a new fallback Point of Sale (POS) protection plan for dual eligibles.  
» Click here to read the full alert.

On December 15, 2005, CMS announces weekly conference calls for physicians on Part D.  
» Click here to read the full alert.

Important reminder on enrollment in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
» Click here to read the full alert.

Additional updates on the functioning of CMS' Plan and Formulary Finders.
» Click here to read the full alert.

Recent questions and answers from the National Mental Health Association, generated from conference calls with CMS.
» Click here to read the full alert.

November 11, 2005

On November 11, 2005, Irvin L. "Sam" Muszynski of the American Psychiatric Association gave a special online presentation on preparing for Medicare Part D. The presentation is now available for archival viewing.  
» Click here to view the presentation.

December 1, 2005

On December 1, 2005, CMS outlined special provisions to ensure the smooth transition of dual eligibles into the Medicare prescription drug benefit.  A new Point of Sale protection plan for dual eligibles was also announced.  
» PDF Click here for more information.

November 22, 2005

On November 22, 2005, CMS alerted consumers to formulary glitch for required medications.
» Click here to read the full alert.

On November 22, 2005, the National Mental Health Association created a new workbook to help consumers get educated and enrolled in Medicare Part D.  Click here to learn more.

November 16, 2005

On November 16, 2005, the APA hosted a web conference for psychiatrists and mental health professionals on how to prepare for Medicare Part D.
» Click here for links to the presentation materials and audio file.

November 14, 2005

On November 14, 2005, advocacy groups sued the federal government to make sure dual eligibles do not lose access to life-saving medications under Part D.
» Click here to read the full press release.

On November 14, 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stated that they will provide a "fail-safe mechanism" for dual eligibles to access medications.
» Click here to read the full article.(payment required)

November 10, 2005

To learn more about Medicare Part D and earn CME credits, go to American Psychiatric Association's Grand Rounds Online. To register and join this listserv go to http://www.psych.org/grandrounds/.
» Click here to read more.

November 2, 2005

On Wednesday, November 2, CMS has begun sending auto-enrollment letters to the 5.5 million people with Medicare who are also eligible for Medicaid, known as dual eligibles.
» Click here to read more.

October 17, 2005

On Monday, October 17, CMS released the Plan Finder tool to assist people with Medicare with reviewing their prescription drug plan options. We have tested the tool and wanted to let you know that CMS is aware of several functional problems and continues to refine the site.
» Click here to read more.