As can be seen in our earlier article, "Q1Group 2016 PDP Landscape Analysis: fewer Medicare Part D plans qualifying for the $0 Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) premium in 2016", the number of LIS $0 premium qualifying stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans has been decreasing since 2014.

The purpose of this article is to show more detail about the 2016 LIS $0 premium qualifying plan changes: (1) a state perspective (that is in each state, how many Medicare Part D plans qualify for the $0 LIS premium) and (2) a look at the specific Medicare Part D plans qualifying for the $0 LIS premium and the number of states where these plans are offered (or were offered in 2014 and 2015).

First, as noted in the previous article and highlighted below, the vast majority of states are showing fewer 2016 plans qualifying for the LIS $0 premium.


Next, as can be expected, there are slightly fewer 2016 Medicare Part D plans qualifying for the LIS $0 premium, and their "reach" is to fewer states as compared to 2015 and 2014.

Thirteen (13) LIS qualifying stand-alone Medicare Part D plans will be offered in 2016 as compared to 17  in 2015 and 23  in 2014.


As reference, here is a link to the: 2016 Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy Benchmark Premium Amounts (includes 2016 - 2006 for comparison)

Conclusion
Many of the Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a 2015 Medicare Part D plan that qualifies for the $0 LIS premium will need to move (or be automatically moved) to another 2016 Medicare Part D plan in order to keep a $0 premium.  Medicare beneficiaries moved to new plans will need to carefully check their new plan's formulary to ensure coverage of their prescription medications - or seek another plan that provides coverage for their Medicare Part D drugs.

Our recommendation: call a Medicare representative at (1-800-633-4227) and ask for assistance choosing a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that most economically covers prescription drugs and healthcare concerns.

You can review national and state level Medicare Part D facts and statistics for the 2016 plan year at PDP-Facts.com/2016.  A comparison of Medicare Part D plans per state can be found at PDP-Finder.com/2016 or how the 2016 Medicare Part D plans will change in 2016 at PDP-Compare.com/2016.  Both tools can be filtered on LIS qualifying plans.  As reference, Medicare Advantage plans information is located at MA-Finder.com/2016 and MA-Compare.com/2016.