Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period Runs from October 15 – December 7
Help patients get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment by running the Patients Age 64 and Over custom report in TPC to help prepare those who may be eligible. Also, follow these 5 tips:
1) Check mail for important notices from Medicare or Social Security. Patients already enrolled in Medicare will get an Annual Notice of Changes which includes any changes in coverage, costs, or service area that will be effective in January.
3) Think about Medicare coverage needs for 2021 and decide if current coverage will meet needs for the year ahead.
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Runs from November 1 – December 15
For individuals that do not have health coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or any other source that provides qualifying health coverage, the marketplace can help those who are eligible get coverage starting January 1, 2021. Savings on health insurance plans depend on income. There are multiple ways to apply including online, by phone, through a community helper/assister, through an agent/broker, through certified partner websites or a paper application. Use this checklist and get ready to enroll here.
Special Enrollment Periods for Marketplace Insurance Coverage
Since FEMA declared COVID-19 a national emergency, if you qualified for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), but missed the deadline because you were impacted by COVID-19 (including if you or a family member was sick with COVID-19 or if the emergency impacted your job and caused you to be uncertain about your job-based coverage), you may be eligible for another Special Enrollment Period.
Click here for more information on a variety of circumstances for SEPs and who may qualify. Individuals can also contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to determine their eligibility for an SEP or check out this screening tool.
It’s Virtual Networking Time!
All TPC-related staff are encouraged to participate in one of the three upcoming Fall Medication Assistance Roundtables. These Roundtables are designed to brief TPC users on how various changes in healthcare relate to the availability of free & discounted medicines. Together we will discuss the ways each utilizes The Pharmacy Connection, exchange ideas, and share accomplishments and challenges. Changes in PAPs as a result of COVID-19, creative and effective techniques for virtual outreach and how to use TPC data are just a few of the topics that will be covered. You don't want to miss one of these sessions! Space is limited and filling up fast! Register today!
October 21 from 10 – 11:30am EST (Registration closed, session full)
Highlights of Important PAP Updates & Resources
Abbott Nutrition Patient Assistance Program products have moved from the Medication section in TPC to Supplies. Check Research, Supplies for these items. From the Patient Medications screen, locate the Patient Supply Formulary under the Medication Formulary to add and process an application for available products.
Pfizer Rx Pathways is no longer accepting new applications or re-enrollments for the following products as of October 1, 2020 due to loss of patent exclusivity and the availability of low-cost generic alternatives for: Revatio tablets, Revatio suspension, Celebrex, Cleocin HCL capsules and Dilantin capsules. Check with your providers and use the TPC mobile app to search for other potential brand alternatives available for free on other PAPs.
Zenni Optical is an online resource available to purchase low-cost prescription eyeglasses for as low as $6.95. There are no eligibility requirements. Prescription sunglasses, sports glasses, goggles and even non-prescription glasses are available online. To get started, you need your pupillary distance (PD). If you don’t have it, check out this DIY tutorial on how to measure. You will also need your prescription information to type in. Be sure to check out the virtual try-on tool to see how any frame will look on your face.
Looking for Diabetes Supplies? Check out some of these resources that are available in TPC
Novo Nordisk offers a one-time free 30-day immediate supply. See covered insulins and terms and conditions. Novo Nordisk also has partnerships with other companies including Walmart that offers ReliOn insulin for $25 per vial and Reduced Rx through CVS Health that is open to anyone even with prescription coverage.
Get free samples of Contour Next over-the-counter products through the Ascensia Diabetes Care Contour Next Concierge.
Rx Outreach offers one free Prodigy AutoCode Blood Glucose Monitor annually per patient and a variety of low-cost supplies. Check out the fees and order form here.
The BD Diabetes professional resource center has an order form available for healthcare professionals to order complimentary samples of patient education, pen needles and sharps container.
Check out the Research section of TPC for more information on recent changes including medication additions, medication removals, PAP eligibility, contact information changes, form updates, and more!
