06 Oct Part D Creditable Coverage Deadline Looms
Employers who sponsor group health plans which include prescription drug coverage are required to provide all 
Medicare-eligible personnel with Part D creditable coverage notification before October 15th.
Medicare-eligible personnel with Part D creditable coverage notification before October 15th.Creditable coverage means that, on average, the coverage will pay as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage.
This written notice must be provided every year prior to October 15th, the beginning of open Medicare enrollment, to the following individuals:
- Active working individuals who are eligible for Medicare, and their dependents (this must also be provided to a Medicare-eligible individual when he or she joins the plan);
- Any individuals currently on COBRA who are medicare-eligible, and their dependents;
- Any disabled individuals who are medicare-eligible and are covered under the employer’s prescription drug plan; and
- Any retirees and their dependents.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides model notices for your convenience.
In addition, employers must complete an online disclosure with the CMS which reports the creditable coverage status of their prescription drug plans. This disclosure is required annually as well, no later than 60 days from the start of their plan year, and at certain other times.
Employers whose coverage is creditable can apply for a tax-free subsidy, called the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) program. This does require additional testing. To apply for this subsidy, visit www.rds.cms.hhs.gov.
Contact Exact Insure if you have any questions regarding the creditable coverage notification, or any other aspect of your health care plan.
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