PROVIDER PART D - FACT SHEET
Medicare Perscription Drug Coverage Audio Training

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has assembled a fact sheet for use in prescriber’s offices regarding the new transition policy, as well as the exceptions and appeals process for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. This resource fact sheet is designed to provide ready-links to tools that will streamline the prescribing process under the new benefit. We continue to work with groups representing physicians, pharmacists, patients and Part D plans to simplify and standardize the information that physicians need to provide to plans. The URL for the Physician Fact Sheet is: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedlearnProducts/downloads/Part_D_Resource_Factsheet.pdf

We have consolidated most of the resources for prescribers into the provider web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/center/provider.asp where offices can get access to direct phone numbers to the plan’s coverage determination people, as well as copies of model forms that will help speed the process. Of course, information is always available through our Medicare Learning Network at www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/drugcoverage.asp.

We are hopeful that you will share this fact sheet with your members and feature it in your electronic and print outlets so that as many prescriber’s offices know about the processes and tools we have designed to make it easier for them and their patients.

In conjunction with the release of this Fact Sheet, CMS invites your participation in a Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage audio/training conference call titled:

"Working with Plan Formularies: Transition Supplies, Prior Authorization, Quantity Limits, Step Therapy, and Exceptions"

This presentation will cover the topics included in the fact sheet.
Please Save This Date: March 2, 2006, 2:30- 3:15 PM EST

The procedure to connect to this audio/conference is as follows:
Call-in toll free number: 1-888-469-1340 (please call in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled)
Participant pass code: # 2385428
Call Leader: Charlotte Newman

You may view/download the PowerPoint Presentation on Tuesday, February 28th after 3:00 PM EST on our Partner Center website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/partner.asp under SPOTLIGHT.

If after reviewing the PowerPoint presentation and/or the attached fact sheet you have questions, you may submit them in advance, to BSPGtraining@cms.hhs.gov by Wednesday, March 1, 2006, by 12:00 Noon and reference in the subject line- 3/2/06 Training.

This session will be recorded and be available approximately 1 week following the training on http://media.cms.hhs.gov/cms/partner03022006.wma.