Medicare Part D Enrollment Notice Deadline Approaching

Each year, prior to the Medicare annual enrollment period, employers with prescription drug plans must notify covered individuals as to whether such plans provide creditable coverage. Previously, the annual enrollment period ran from November 15 through December 31. Due to changes made by the health care reform law, the annual enrollment period for this year is October 15 through December 7. Accordingly, employers should send out their Medicare Part D notices by October 15, 2011. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted a model notice that can be used this year. This model notice is available here.