Important Medicare Prescription Drug Update News

Important Medicare Prescription Drug Update

Effective June 1, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will no longer accept prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries from providers who are not enrolled with Medicare. This affects all providers, including dentists, physicians, psychiatrists, residents, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have patients in a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan. Any delay in enrolling in this program could result in Medicare patients being unable to obtain drugs you prescribe.

Unless you are enrolled in Medicare (or validly opt out), Medicare Part D plans will be required to notify Medicare patients that your prescriptions will not be eligible for coverage. If you should opt out, you will be unable to receive reimbursement from original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, except for emergency and urgent care services.

There are no fees to enroll in the program, and it can be completed electronically or on paper. Based on your preference, please visit the following websites:

• Electronic: Use the PECOS system at go.cms.gov/pecos
  Additional instructions can be found at go.cms.gov/PECOSsteps
  A video tutorial is also available at go.cms.gov/PECOSVideo
• Paper: The paper application can be found at go.cms.gov/cms855o.
  Please submit the completed paperwork to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). To locate your MAC for your area, please refer to go.cms.gov/partdmaclist.

Questions related to this upcoming change should be directed to the MAC within your geographic area.