Medicare Part D Delayed Once Again

Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs, will soon require all providers who write prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries to be either enrolled in Medicare or have a valid opt out affidavit on file. Recently, Medicare announced two changes which affect this ruling.

The first change is a delay in the implementation date. The new effective date is June 1, 2016. Enrollment applications or opt out affidavits should be submitted no later than January 1, 2016 to allow time for processing. It is recommended that dentists use this extension time to research their options in order to make an informed decision on the optimal choice of Medicare enrollment for their practices.

The second change affects those providers who choose to opt out of Medicare. Previously, each opt out period was valid for two years, at which time a new affidavit was required to maintain opt out status. The new guidelines state that opt out affidavits signed on or after June 16, 2015 will automatically renew at the end of the two year opt out period. Under this new ruling, providers wishing to terminate their opt out agreement will need to notify Medicare in writing at least 30 days prior to the renewal date.