Understanding Medicare Part D: Resources for Physicians and Their Patients
See below for resources to help you help your patients understand Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part D Updates
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Personal Information Worksheet (December 2005)
This worksheet, developed by CMS, asks patients to gather the general information necessary for finding a Medicare drug plan that meets their needs. Patients can then call 1-800-MEDICARE, or any other organization offering help with enrollment.
You can print a PDF of the Worksheet and make copies for your office. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Outside resources
For providers:
- CMS press release on Medicare Part D premiums
- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Information — CMS has a wealth of Part D information dedicated to physician issues, including a model Prescription Drug Coverage Determination Request form. Physicians and patients can use this optional form to request formulary exceptions, tiering exceptions and other coverage determination requests.
- Medicare Learning Network—Includes news, Medlearn Matters articles, and patient-focused materials.
- Medicare Part D Pharmacist-to-Physician Fax Form—Patient confusion over Medicare Part D issues such as new coverage rules and formulary restrictions will most likely come to light at the pharmacy counter. The American Medical Association, along with a number of other groups, has developed a fax form to aid communication between physicians and pharmacists.
For patients:
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Fact Sheet (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
- Statewide Apprise Meetings — The Pennsylvania Apprise program continues scheduling public meetings for patients confused about what prescription drug plan would best suit their needs, or to help them pick a different drug plan for 2007. Go to the Apprise website for a list of meetings in your county, or call (800) 783-7067.
- Prescription drug coverage help—CMS has developed one-page fact sheets for Part D patients who are having problems filling a prescription and links to tools and resources for Medicare patients, including:
- Prescription Drug Plan Finder—Allows patients to find all the prescription plans that are available within a specific ZIP code, and compare costs by entering up to 25 prescription medications.
- Formulary (Drug) Finder—Lets patients enter the drugs they use to find out which plans in their area have formularies that cover these drugs.
- Enrollment Center—Allows patients to join the Medicare drug plan they've selected.
Some links require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download it for free.
Last Updated: 2/5/2008