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2013 Medicare Part D Outlook


Below are the finalized 2013 Standard Benefit Model Plan parameters as released by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), April 2012.

:: CMS Part D 2013 Standard Benefit Model Plan Details
:: Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Other Important Notices to be Sent out Earlier
:: 2013 Annual Election Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
:: Closing the Coverage Gap: 2013 Donut Hole Discounts.
:: New 2013 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to Leave a Concistently Low Rated Medicare Drug or Health Plan
:: 2013 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to Switch to 5-star Medicare Advantage AND Prescription Drug Plans
:: 2012 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines: LIS Qualification
:: Sign-up for our 2013 Reminder Service



CMS Part D 2013 Standard Benefit Model Plan Details

Here are the highlights for the CMS defined Standard Benefit Plan changes from 2012 to 2013. The chart below shows the Standard Benefit design changes for plan years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. This "Standard Benefit Plan" is the minimum allowable plan to be offered.
  • Initial Deductible:
    will be increased by $5 to $325 in 2013
  • Initial Coverage Limit:
    will increase from $2,930 in 2011 to $2,970 in 2013
  • Out-of-Pocket Threshold:
    will increase from $4,700 to $4,750 in 2013
  • Coverage Gap (donut hole):
    begins once you reach your Medicare Part D plan’s initial coverage limit ($2,970 in 2013) and ends when you spend a total of $4,750 in 2013.
    In 2013, Part D enrollees will continue receive a 52.5% discount on the total cost of their brand-name drugs while in the donut hole. The full retail cost of the drugs will still apply to getting out of the donut hole even though 52.5% was paid for by others. Enrollees will pay a maximum of 79% co-pay on generic drugs while in the coverage gap.
  • Minimum Cost-sharing in the Catastrophic Coverage Portion of the Benefit**:
    will increase to greater of 5% or $2.65 for generic or preferred drug that is a multi-source drug and the greater of 5% or $6.60 for all other drugs in 2012
  • Maximum Co-payments below the Out-of-Pocket Threshold for certain Low Income Full Subsidy Eligible Enrollees:
    will increase to $2.65 for generic or preferred drug that is a multi-source drug and $6.50 for all other drugs in 2013
Medicare Part D Benefit Parameters for Defined Standard Benefit
2006 through 2013 Comparison
Part D Standard Benefit Design Parameters: 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Deductible - (after the Deductible is met, Beneficiary pays 25% of covered costs up to total prescription costs meeting the Initial Coverage Limit. $250 $265 $275 $295 $310 $310 $320 $325
Initial Coverage Limit - Coverage Gap (Donut Hole) begins at this point. (The Beneficiary pays 100% of their prescription costs up to the Out-of-Pocket Threshold) $2,250 $2,400 $2,510 $2,700 $2,830 $2,840 $2,930 $2,970
Total Covered Part D Drug Out-of-Pocket Spending including the Coverage Gap - Catastrophic Coverage starts after this point.  $5,100.00   $5,451.25   $5,726.25   $6,153.75   $6,440.00

plus a
$250
rebate
 
 $6,447.50

plus a
50%
brand
discount
 
 $6,657.50

plus a
50%
brand
discount
 
 $6,733.75

plus a
52.5%
brand
discount
 
Out-of-Pocket Threshold - This is the Total Out-of-Pocket Costs including the Donut Hole.
2013 Example:
   $325 (Deductible)
+(($2970-$325)*25%) (Initial Coverage)
+(($6733.75-$2970)*100%) (Cov. Gap)
= $4,700 (Maximum Out-Of-Pocket Cost prior to Catastrophic Coverage - excluding plan premium)
$3,600




 $ 250.00
$ 500.00

$2850.00

$3600.00
$3,850




 $ 265.00
$ 533.75

$3051.25

$3850.00
$4,050




 $ 275.00
$ 558.75

$3216.25

$4050.00
$4,350




 $ 295.00
$ 601.25

$3453.75

$4350.00
$4,550




 $ 310.00
$ 630.00

$3610.00

$4550.00
$4,550




 $ 310.00
$ 632.50

$3607.50

$4550.00
$4,700




 $ 320.00
$ 652.50

$3727.50

$4700.00
$4,750




 $ 325.00
$ 661.25

$3763.75

$4750.00
Catastrophic Coverage Benefit:
    Generic/Preferred
    Multi-Source Drug
$2.00 $2.15 $2.25 $2.40 $2.50 $2.50 $2.60 $2.65**
    Other Drugs $5.00 $5.35 $5.60 $6.00 $6.30 $6.30 $6.50 $6.60**
Part D Full Benefit Dual Eligible (FBDE) Parameters: 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
    Deductible: $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Copayments for Institutionalized Beneficiaries $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Maximum Copayments for Non-Institutionalized Beneficiaries
    Up to or at 100% FPL:
        Up to Out-of-Pocket Threshold
            Generic/Preferred
            Multi-Source Drug
$1.00 $1.00 $1.05 $1.10 $1.10 $1.10 $1.10 $1.15
            Other $3.00 $3.10 $3.10 $3.20 $3.30 $3.30 $3.30 $3.50
        Above Out-of-Pocket
            Threshold
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
    Over 100% FPL:
        Up to Out-of-Pocket Threshold
            Generic/Preferred
            Multi-Source Drug
$2.00 $2.15 $2.25 $2.40 $2.50 $2.50 $2.60 $2.65
            Other $5.00 $5.35 $5.60 $6.00 $6.30 $6.30 $6.50 $6.60
        Above Out-of-Pocket
            Threshold
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Part D Full Subsidy - Non Full Benefit Dual Eligible Full Subsidy Parameters: 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Eligible for QMB/SLMB/QI, SSI or applied and income at or below 135% FPL and resources < $6,940 (individuals) or < $10,410 (couples)***
    Deductible: $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
    Maximum Copayments up to Out-of-Pocket Threshold
        Generic/Preferred
        Multi-Source Drug
$2.00 $2.15 $2.25 $2.40 $2.50 $2.50 $2.60 $2.65
        Other $5.00 $5.35 $5.60 $6.00 $6.30 $6.30 $6.50 $6.60
    Maximum Copay above
    Out-of-Pocket
    Threshold
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Partial Subsidy Parameters: 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Applied and income below 150% FPL and resources between $6,941-$11,570 (individuals) or $10,411-$232,120 (couples) (category code 4)*
    Deductible $50.00 $53.00 $56.00 $60.00 $63.00 $63.00 $65.00 $66.00
    Coinsurance up to
    Out-of-Pocket
    Threshold
15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15%
    Maximum Copayments above Out-of-Pocket Threshold
        Generic/Preferred
        Multi-Source Drug
$2.00 $2.15 $2.25 $2.40 $2.50 $2.50 $2.60 $2.65
        Other $5.00 $5.35 $5.60 $6.00 $6.30 $6.30 $6.50 $6.60
** The Catastrophic Coverage is the greater of 5% or the values shown in the chart above. In 2013, beneficiaries would be charged $2.65 for those generic or preferred multisource drugs with a retail price under $53 and 5% for those with a retail price greater than $53. As to Brand drugs, beneficiaries would pay $6.60 for those drugs with a retail price under $132 and 5% for those with a retail price over $132.
*** The actual amount of resources allowable may be updated for contract year 2013.

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The annual percentage increase in average per capita Part D spending -- used to update the deductible, initial coverage limit, and out-of-pocket threshold for the defined standard benefit for 2013 -- is 4.29 percent. The annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index -- used to update the 2013 maximum copayments below the out-of-pocket threshold for certain dual eligible enrollees -- is approximately 1.40 percent. CMS revises these percentages to correct calculation errors identified following the release of the Advance Notice."
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Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Other Important Notices to be Sent out Earlier

The 2013 plan year standardized, combined Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document will be mailed to current members of all Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Coverage (MA-PD) plans, Prescription Drug Only (PDP) plans and cost-based plans offering Part D. MA and MA-PD plans must ensure current members receive the combined ANOC/EOC by September 30, 2012. Plans have the option to include Pharmacy/Provider directories in this mailing.

All plans offering Part D must mail their Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) riders and abridged or comprehensive formularies with the ANOC/EOC to ensure current member receipt by September 30, 2012.

Exception: Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (SNPs) that are fully integrated with the State must mail an ANOC with the Summary of Benefits (SB) for member receipt by September 30, 2012 and then send the EOC for member receipt by December 31, 2012. Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNPs that send a combined, standardized ANOC/EOC for member receipt by September 30, 2012 are not required to send an SB to current members.

Note: With the exception of the ANOC/EOC, LIS Rider, and abridged or comprehensive formularies, no additional materials may be sent prior to the beginning of when marketing activities may begin on October 1.
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2013 Annual Election Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

he Annual Election Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP) will begin on October 15, 2012 and end on December 7, 2012. Marketing of Medicare Part D plans will begin on October 1, 2012. Your new Medicare Part D plan will still take effect on January 1, 2013. This three week period after the close of the AEP/OEP will allow the Part D Plans and Medicare to process new enrollments and get welcome kits and membership cards out to member prior to the January 1st plan effective date.
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Closing the Coverage Gap: 2013 Donut Hole Discounts.

In plan year 2013, Medicare beneficiaries who reach the Coverage Gap (Donut Hole) will receive a 21% discount on generic drugs purchased and continue to receive a 52.5% (50% paid by the drug manufacturer and 2.5% paid by the Medicare Part D plan) discount on brand name drugs.
: : Read more on the discounts from 2011 through 2020 here.
: : See Questions and Answers on Closing the Coverage Gap here.
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New 2013 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to Leave a Concistently Low Rated Medicare Drug or Health Plan

To promote high Medicare Part D and MA plan quality, in 2013, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will alert plan members if their Medicare Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage health plan has failed for three straight years to achieve at least a 3-star quality rating and offer a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), if desired, that will allow the member to move to a higher quality plan.
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2013 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to Switch to 5-star Medicare Advantage AND Prescription Drug Plans

Beginning in 2012, CMS established a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to allow Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Medicare Prescription Drug (PDP) Plans or Medicare Advantage (MA & MAPD) plans to switch to a 5-star plans at any point during the year.

CMS is exercising its existing statutory authority under Section 1851(e)(4)(D) of the Social Security Act to establish this special election period.

The creation of this SEP is part of CMS&rsquo overall quality effort, combined with the quality bonus payment demonstration, to give plans greater incentive to achieve 5-star status. Plan ratings for the 2013 plan year will be published in the fall of 2012, prior to the annual open enrollment period.

Who will be eligible for this SEP?
  • Beneficiaries currently enrolled any MA, MAPD or PDP plan (including those that already have a 5-star rating)
  • Beneficiaries who are enrolled in Original Medicare and meet the eligibility requirements for Medicare Advantage
The summary star rating is provided by CMS prior to the Annual Election Period (AEP) and is effective for the following contract year (January - December) -- the summary rating is awarded on a calendar year basis.

Effective dates for enrollments made under this SEP will be the first of the month following the month the enrollment request is received. Once an individual enrolls in a 5-star plan using this SEP, the individual's SEP ends for that plan year and the individual will be limited to making changes only during other applicable election periods. To summarize, the 5-star rating SEP can only be used one time during the plan year.

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2012 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines: LIS Qualification

The 2012 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines determine the income level requirements for people applying for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program. If your income is below 135% of the FPL ($15,079.50 if you are single or $20,425.50 for married couples), you could qualify for the full Low Income Subsidy (resource limits also apply - see chart above). Even if you don’t qualify for full LIS benefits, you could be eligible for partial LIS benefits if your income level is at or below 150% FPL (resource limits also apply - see chart above). Remember, the LIS subsidy helps to pay both your monthly plan premiums and drug costs.

Persons
in Family
48 Contiguous
States & D.C.
Alaska Hawaii
1 $11,170 $13,970 $12,860
2 $15,130 $18,920 $17,410
3 $19,090 $23,870 $21,960
4 $23,050 $28,820 $26,510
5 $27,010 $33,770 $31,060
6 $30,970 $38,720 $35,610
7 $34,930 $43,670 $40,160
8 $38,890 $48,620 $44,710
For each additional
Person, add
$3,960 $4,950 $4,550
Federal Register Volume 77, Number 17 (Thursday, January 26, 2012), pp. 4034-4035

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Sign-up for our 2013 Reminder Service

2013 Medicare Part D Plan Reminder Service

If you would like for us to send you an email as the 2013 Medicare Part D plan information becomes available (late-September), as it is updated (early-October) and when Enrollment begins (October 15th), please complete the form below. We will NOT share your information with any third-parties.

Please provide the following Information
First Name (optional)
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eMail*   
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I am interested in:* Medicare Advantage (Health) Plans  
        with Prescription Drug Coverage       
Prescription Drug Only Plans
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I wish to receive the free Q1Medicare eMail Newsletter!
   *Required

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