CMS has announced that Medicare MA aged and disabled capitation rates will increase by approximately 3.6% for 2009. CMS also is launching a new audit initiative to determine the accuracy of the diagnosis code information submitted by MA plans, which potentially could lead to an adjustment in 2010 rates. CMS also announced the statutory parameters for the defined standard Part D prescription drug benefit for 2009, including: a $295 deductible, a $2,700 initial coverage limit, a $4,350 out-of-pocket threshold, and minimum cost sharing of $2.40 for generic/preferred multisource drugs and $6 for other drugs in the catastrophic coverage phase. For more information, click here.