MEDICARE PART D

MEDICARE HOME PAGE: http://www.medicare.gov/

CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn/

February 10, 2006: THIS INFORMATION WAS SENT TO PHARMACIES FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH:
Important Information about NYS Temporary Medicaid Coverage for Dual Eligibles.

GOVERNOR PATAKI & STATE LEGISLATURE

February 6, 2006: The NYS Assembly overrode Gov. Pataki's veto -- by a vote of 141-0 -- of the law that will continue Medicaid prescription drug coverage indefinitely as a stopgap until the Part D implementation problems are worked out. The language of the law is at http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A09462&sh=t . The Senate is expected to do the same soon.

February 3, 2006: Gov. George Pataki vetoed a bill on Friday, February 3 that would have indefinitely given New Yorkers access to medications if they are denied coverage under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Associated Press Story. http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny- -medicaredrugs-bil0203feb03,0,3182631.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

January 20, 2006: Governor Pataki’s Press Release announcing that the Department of Health will continue its temporary suspension of related Medicaid rules to ensure that New Yorkers can receive the prescription drugs they need for another seven days : http://ny.gov/governor/press/06/0123061.htm

January 13, 2006: Governor Pataki’s Press Release announcing that the Department of Health will temporarily suspend related Medicaid rules to ensure that New Yorkers can receive the prescription drugs they need for another seven days. http://ny.gov/governor/press/06/0113066.htm

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

New York State Department of Health Medicaid and Medicare Part D web page: http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/
program/medicaid_transition/index.htm

Notice sent to pharmacists allowing for continued Medicaid coverage to dual eligibles (Updated 1/18/06)

NYS Department of Health Reduction of Benefits Notice being sent to individuals who receive both Medicare and Medicaid (English and Spanish version) (updated 12/16/05)

12/05 Medicaid Update - Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit to Start January 1, 2006 (updated 12/6/05)

Important information for providers who serve individuals receiving both Medicare and Medicaid (updated 11/30/05)

Administrative Directive to provide Local Departments of Social Services with information and guidance regarding requirements of the Medicare Modernization Act, and the prescription drug benefit under Part D of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (updated 11/21/05)

New York State Department of Health letter to "dual eligible" individuals (English and Spanish version) (updated 11/4/05)

NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH

The State Office of Mental Health has a Quick Reference Guide on their website at http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/MedicareD/index.htm.

It includes:

Medicare Part D Formulary Comparison Chart for Dual Eligibles (Updated: December 9, 2005)
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Worksheet (Updated: December 27, 2005)
Medicare Formulary Finder and Other Resources
Background & General Information
Frequently Asked Questions from the Medicare D training sessions (Updated: November 22, 2005)
Medicare D Resource Links

Medicare Part D Training Presentations
The following presentations were utilized by CMS, Medicare and OMH staff at the regional training sessions presented during the fall of 2005:

• CMS, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
• Social Security Administration, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/

KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION
This is an excellent, comprehensive website: http://www.kff.org/medicare/rxdrugbenefit.cfm