Myriad Rx programs target Medicare users

Starting today, Utah seniors can expect to see their mailboxes stuffed with offers under Medicare's new prescription drug coverage program.

Additional details of those plans were released Friday, including monthly premiums and deductibles for the 50-plus plans that will be available in Utah. Marketing is allowed to begin today for the coverage that starts on Jan. 1.

"The plan choices are very good news for people with Medicare, especially those who have been struggling to pay for their prescription drugs," said Mark B. McClellan, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Utahns eligible for traditional Medicare coverage for medical and hospital benefits can choose between 44 "stand-alone" drug plans, ranging from $6.33 per month with a $250 deductible and $68.88 per month with no deductible.

Those eligible for Medicare Advantage plans will have 10 drug plans to choose from, four of which have no additional monthly premium or drug deductible.

Advantage plans — which provide more comprehensive coverage under programs resembling private health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs) — have the ability to save beneficiaries about $100 in monthly out-of-pocket costs when compared to traditional Medicare, McClellan said.

Still, he said, "many people will want to just add drug coverage to their current benefits."

Under both stand-alone and advantage plans, beneficiaries are responsible for additional premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers medical and hospital benefits. Those choosing the stand-alone plans may also pay more for Medigap coverage, a supplemental policy that covers extra benefits not traditionally covered by Medicare.

At least five of the plans made public Friday have some type of coverage for the gap in prescription drug coverage, McClellan said, where beneficiaries are responsible for all costs between $2,250 and $5,000.

"If you don't want the so-called 'donut hole' in your prescription drug coverage, you don't have to have it," he said.

Next month, CMS will release the list of specific drugs and their costs covered under each of the plans made public Friday. On average, each will cover 89 of the 100 drugs most commonly used by seniors, McClellan said.

Open enrollment in the program begins Nov. 15, with coverage to begin on Jan. 1. Participation is voluntary, although those who are eligible but choose not to participate will face a penalty if they eventually choose to enroll.