A newly released list of Medicare prescription drug plans available for 2007 has plenty of good news for Rhode Island seniors, with lower premiums from most insurers, 31 plans with no deductibles and 15 plans with at least some coverage through the “doughnut hole.”
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the list Sept. 29, in preparation for the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 15.
“Strong competitive pressure” led to premiums that average 10 percent less than in 2006, said a news release. The agency also encouraged insurers to offer plans with “enhanced benefits,” such as coverage in the legislatively built-in gap (the doughnut hole) or for a wider range of drugs.
“As a result of robust competition and smart choices by seniors, plans are adding drugs, removing options that were not popular, and providing more options with enhanced coverage,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mark B. McClellan.
The one thing Rhode Islanders won’t have next year is a plan priced under $10 per month – last year, there was one at $7.32 per month, from Humana Inc., whose plans this year start at $16.90. WellCare offer the cheapest plan, at $13.40.
But 15 insurers, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and UnitedHealthcare of New England, are offering generic-drug coverage through the doughnut hole. Four such plans (from other companies) are under $40, and two – one for $39.80, the other for $48.40 – will cover preferred-brand drugs as well.
The coverage gap was built into the Medicare Part D benefit in an effort to limit the cost of the program, but in recent months, as more people have entered the gap, it’s become a growing concern.
Another concern – one the new plan list doesn’t explicitly address – is that many Part D plans have limited and sometimes changing formularies.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said that, overall, more drugs will be covered by the 2007 plans. However, while the 2006 list said how many of the top 100 drugs each plan covered – they ranged from 78 to 100 percent – this list does not.
The CMS said 79 percent of Rhode Island beneficiaries will have access to plans with lower premiums. They will also have greater access to Medicare Advantage health plans, generally with lower drug coverage costs, the agency said, and will gain access to new medical savings accounts and related consumer-directed plans.
