Recently on one of our blog posts we had a comment regarding the 2011 contributions while in the Coverage Gap (Donut Hole) and how the total out-of-pocket expenses would be allocated until a beneficiary reached catastrophic coverage.
Medicare has changed some of its wording and makes reading a little more confusing as to what will actually be applied to your out-of-pocket expenses while in the donut hole.
The Agreement
As we have been told the pharmaceutical companies have agreed to invest $18 billion towards Part D prescription drug costs for beneficiaries who fall into the Coverage Gap. It has been agreed that they will contribute 50% of the agreed upon price and the beneficiary will pay 50% all starting in 2011.
The Concern
But a recent comment about how much would actually be applied to a beneficiary’s out-of-pocket expense had some good points. The way things are written sounds like only the 50% copayment by the beneficiary would be applied to the out-of-pocket expense, and reaching catastrophic coverage could take much longer giving little value to the 50% discount.
The Good News
I have written before about Q1Medicare and what a great resource for Medicare Part D information. So I asked Q1Medicare the question and they came back and told me that both contributions (1) 50% from the Pharmaceutical Company and (2) 50% from you, the beneficiary, would be applied towards the total out-of-pocket costs through the coverage gap.
What this means is if you have a prescription drug that costs $400 per month at the agreed upon price, 50% or $200 will be paid by the pharmaceutical company and 50% or $200 by the beneficiary, but $400 will count towards your total out-of-pocket expense.
Who is Eligible?
You are eligible if you have a Part D stand alone plan or a Part D plan through Medicare Advantage and you are NOT receiving any type of Low Income Subsidy (LIS). Sometimes you are referred to as a non-LIS Beneficiary.
A word of caution: In order for the “brand” name drug to be included, the pharmaceutical manufacturer must sign an agreement with Medicare. If there is no agreement for a particular drug, then it is NOT entitled to the 50% discount.
I am sure Medicare will start posting those drugs that will be part of the Coverage Gap as the agreements are received.
Beginning October 1, 2010 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan Marketing Activities can begin. This is the time you want to start getting your information together to compare other plans.
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