Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Drug Benefit Could Increase Use of Generic Drugs
The so-called “doughnut hole” in coverage under the Medicare drug benefit could encourage more consumers to switch to generic drugs, a move that some drugmakers are taking steps to avoid.
Medicare Drug Coverage Has Growing Pains in California
California is one of at least 26 states providing emergency coverage of prescription drug costs for dual eligibles who have been unable to obtain medications under the drug benefit, and some health advocates say that some dual eligibles in California also are facing problems with language barriers and drug plan formularies.
Will PBMs Drive Up or Curb Medicare Drug Costs?
Pharmacy benefit managers play a central role in the Medicare drug benefit, leading some health care players to question what effect PBMs’ involvement will have on costs under the new benefit.
Chronic Ailments Increase the Challenge of Picking a Part D Plan
Some Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses often must weigh additional considerations when selecting a Medicare drug plan, although California will provide additional assistance to some groups through other state programs.
Employers, Retirees With Drug Coverage Question Implications of Medicare Drug Benefit
Health insurers have begun marketing Medicare prescription drug plans, but some retirees with prescription drug coverage and employers that provide such coverage are questioning what the drug benefit means for them.
Care Provider Preparedness Could Affect Part D Rollout
The federal government has recommended that Medicare beneficiaries consult care providers with questions about the Medicare drug benefit, but some senior advocates and professional associations say providers might not be prepared to answer such questions.
New Medicare Drug Benefit Might Be a Tough Sell
Advocacy groups in California and nationwide are preparing to help Medicare beneficiaries enroll in the new Medicare prescription drug benefit and are specifically preparing to educate beneficiaries about provisions of the benefit while addressing their concerns about enrollment and the benefit itself.
New Medicare Drug Benefit Excludes Some Medicines
The new Medicare drug benefit does not provide coverage for all classes of prescription drugs, and some patient advocates are particularly concerned about the exclusion of benzodiazepines.
Data From Medicare Drug Benefit Eyed for Rx Safety Project
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan in May proposed using prescription drug information collected through the new Medicare drug benefit to improve FDA surveillance systems. McClellan and HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt have said personal data will remain secure, but some advocates have raised questions.
Additional Subsidies Available to Some Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible for some additional financial assistance under the new drug benefit, but some consumer advocates have raised questions about outreach efforts.