Mr. Jacob understands that there is a standard Medicare Part D prescription drug
benefit, but when he looks at information on various plans available in his area, he sees
a wide range in what they charge for deductibles, premiums, and cost sharing. How can
you explain this to him? - Answer Part D plans must cover at least the Part D standard
benefits or its actuarial equivalent. They are not required to offer the standard plan.
Question text
Mr. Torres has a small savings account. He would like to pay for his monthly Part D
premiums with an automatic monthly withdrawal from his savings account until it is
exhausted, and then have his premiums withheld from his Social Security check. What
should you tell him? - Answer In general, he must select a single Part D premium
payment mechanism that will be used throughout the year.
Which of the following statements about Medicare Part D are correct?
I. Part D plans must enroll any eligible beneficiary who applies regardless of health
status except in limited circumstances.
II. Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans are not required to use a pharmacy network but
may choose to have one.
III. Beneficiaries enrolled in a MA-Medical Savings Account (MSA) plan may only obtain
Part D benefits through a standalone PDP.
IV. Beneficiaries enrolled in a MA-PPO may obtain Part D benefits through a standalone
PDP or through their plan. - Answer Beneficiaries enrolled in an MA-PPO may not
obtain Part D benefits through a standalone PDP or through their plan. They must
obtain them through their plan by enrolling in an MA-PD.
Mrs. Mulcahy, age 65, is concerned that she may not qualify for enrollment in a
Medicare prescription drug plan because, although she is entitled to Part A, she is not
enrolled under Medicare Part B. What should you tell her? - Answer Mrs. Mulcahy can
enroll in Part D because she is entitled to Part A. The rules for Part D are different from
those that apply to eligibility for Medicare Advantage (Part C). Individuals entitled to Part
A and/or enrolled in Part B are eligible to enroll in Part D. In contrast, to enroll in an MA
plan an individual must be eligible for Part A and enrolled in Part B.
Mr. Hutchinson has drug coverage through his former employer's retiree plan. He is
concerned about the Part D premium penalty if he does not enroll in a Medicare
prescription drug plan, but does not want to purchase extra coverage that he will not
need. What should you tell him? - Answer To avoid a late enrollment penalty, Mr.
Hutchinson must have "creditable" coverage. If he does not, he must enroll in Medicare
Part D during his initial eligibility period to avoid a late enrollment penalty.
Mrs. Lopez is enrolled in a cost plan for her Medicare benefits. She has recently lost
creditable coverage previously available through her husband's employer. She is
interested in enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). What should
you tell her? - Answer If a Part D benefit is offered through her plan she may choose to
enroll in that plan or a standalone PDP.