CMS and SSA to Mail Important Information About the Low-Income Subsidy
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) are working together to conduct a number of activities in the coming months related to Part D low-income subsidy status and enrollment in plans. We know that it’s important that you stay informed about any changes that will affect any beneficiaries with whom you work.
We have attached a timeline of the various communications that will be sent to beneficiaries, along with a background document that further explains the issues that some beneficiaries may be facing over the next few months.
The following are the first mailings (view a sample letter):
SSA is now mailing notices to people who applied for and received the low-income subsidy in 2006 to help determine whether they still qualify for 2007. (See the attached sample letter). This is also located online at: http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/
For people who are no longer a full-benefit dual-eligible, partial dual-eligible (Medicare Savings Program participant), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient, their automatic LIS eligibility will end on December 31, 2006. Starting in mid-September, CMS will mail these individuals a letter that explains their pending loss of LIS eligibility and includes an SSA application for them to complete and return in an enclosed postage-paid envelope. CMS is also sending a letter to individuals who continue to qualify for the LIS in 2007, but will have a change in their co-pay level from 2006 to 2007. Deemed beneficiaries whose LIS status for 2007 is remaining unchanged will receive no letter.
End of Year Timelines
These timelines highlight the key end-of-year milestones in Medicare Part D of particular importance to Part D plans in the following areas:
- SSA/CMS re-determination of LIS eligibility
- Re-assignment
- Plan payments
- Retiree Drug Subsidy
- Marketing of plans
- Plan communications
- Plan systems operational readiness
