Medicare Part D Notices Need to be Distributed Before October 15

It is that time of year again when the annual Notice of Creditable Coverage, as required under Medicare Part D, must be distributed by employers. The notice informs participants if the prescription drug coverage offered under the employer's group health plan is considered 'creditable' or 'non-creditable' coverage. Employers who sponsor a health plan that includes prescription drug benefits must provide the annual notice to all Medicare-eligible participants. The notice will explain whether or not the prescription drug benefits offered under the group health plan are at least as good as the benefits offered under the Medicare Part D plan. The Notice of Creditable Coverage must be provided: At least once a year before October 15th (the start of the annual Medicare Part D enrollment period, which is from October 15th through December 7th). Whenever a Medicare-eligible employee, spouse or dependent enrolls in the employer's health plan (including Medicare-eligible COBRA individuals and their dependents; Medicare-eligible disabled individuals covered under the group health plan's prescription drug plan and any retirees and their dependents). Whenever there is a change in the creditable or non-creditable status of the employer's health plan prescription drug coverage. Whenever an individual requests the notice. CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) has posted forms and instructions for providing this notice. Forms are available in English and Spanish. Click Here to access more information from CMS on this subject. Click Here to access the CMS Disclosure Notice.