Medicare Part C/Part D Final Rule
On April 15, 2010, CMS published a final rule that revises Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription drug benefit regulations. Among other things, the rule strengthens various program participation and exit requirements; strengthens beneficiary protections, including in the area of cost sharing limitations; ensures that plan offerings to beneficiaries include meaningful differences; improves plan payment rules and processes; improves data collection for oversight and quality assessment, implements a new Part D formulary policy, and clarifies certain existing program policies. While the rule is effective June 7, 2010, the provisions will not be applicable prior to contract year January 1, 2011, except where otherwise noted.
