Group health plan sponsors that offer prescription drug coverage must, at least annually, notify Medicare Part D eligible individuals and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of their plan’s creditable coverage status. Both disclosures (to Medicare Part D eligible individuals and to CMS) must meet specific form, content and timing requirements as prescribed by CMS. This Update addresses the required disclosure to CMS and reminds plan sponsors with 2019 calendar year prescription drug programs that disclosure is due to CMS by March 1, 2019. (For more information on Medicare Part D disclosures to individuals, please see our update, Medicare Part D Notices Due Before October 15th).
Rules under Medicare Part D generally require group health plans with a prescription drug benefit to disclose whether the prescription drug coverage offered is “creditable” or “non-creditable”. “Creditable” prescription drug coverage generally means the actuarial value of prescription drug coverage under the group health plan is equal to (pays out as much) or better than the prescription drug benefits offered under Medicare Part D. Conversely, “non-creditable” prescription drug coverage is coverage that is actuarially less in value (expected to pay out less) than the coverage offered under Medicare Part D.
CMS should receive a prescription drug plan’s creditable coverage disclosure:
A prescription drug plan must use the online CMS Disclosure Form to report its “creditable” or “non-creditable” prescription drug status at the times noted above. Guidance and Instructions are provided to assist prescription drug plan sponsors with completing the form.
Should you have questions about this or any aspect of group health plan requirements, contact your Conner Strong & Buckelew account representative toll-free at 1-877-861-3220.
