Medicare for Your Employees
Determining how employer health coverage coordinates with Medicare can get confusing for employees. Add to that decisions about spouse and dependent benefits – and it becomes even more complicated.
It is important for your employees and their families to understand their options under Medicare. At Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, we have the answers and information they need.
We can educate your employees about the basics of Medicare, the types of plans available, and their eligibility. We also offer a variety of Medicare solutions your employees can count on, from comprehensive Medicare Advantage plans to Part D prescription drug coverage.
At Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, we make Medicare easy.
Medicare Part D Information
Creditable Coverage
Most entities that currently provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries must disclose whether the entity’s coverage is “creditable prescription drug coverage.” A disclosure is required whether the insurer is primary or secondary to Medicare.
Read the definition of an entity.
Disclosure of whether prescription drug coverage is creditable provides Medicare-eligible beneficiaries with important information relating to their Medicare Part D enrollment. For instance, beneficiaries who are not covered under creditable prescription drug coverage – and who choose not to enroll before the end of their initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D – will likely have to pay a higher premium on a permanent basis if they subsequently enroll in Medicare Part D.
Employer Subsidy
Under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, the Federal Government – through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – is encouraging employer groups to continue offering prescription drug benefits to their retirees by offering an employer subsidy of 28% of prescription drug claims.
To meet this goal, CMS has created a Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) program website to assist with the completion of the application required to qualify for the subsidy. This site offers many tools and resources to provide you with everything from general information about the RDS Program to specific instructions and assistance during the application period and afterward.
To learn more about the subsidy, visit the CMS website or call the RDS Help Line at (877) RDS-HELP or (877) 737-4357. TTY for the hearing impaired: (877) RDS-TTY0, or (877) 737-8890.