Part D Prescribers Must Enroll in Medicare: Submit Your Application by January 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the following guidance for prescribers of Part D drugs and upcoming deadlines for approval:

Part D Prescribers Must Enroll in Medicare: Submit Your Application by January 1
CMS can help 

Prescribers of Part D drugs must enroll in Medicare by June 1, 2016. Submit your application by January 1, so your application can be approved by the deadline. Be sure your patients’ drugs are covered by enrolling now.

Two free ways to enroll in Medicare, so you can prescribe Part D drugs:

1. Use the PECOS website. Download instructions or watch the video tutorial
2. Submit a paper application to your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) . MACs process Medicare claims, enroll health care providers in the Medicare program, and educate providers on certain Medicare requirements.

Did you already enroll? Check the list of enrolled providers.

For More Information:

• MLN Matters Specal Edition Article #SE1434

• Part D Prescriber Enrollment website

• Contact your local MAC     

Considering Opting Out of Medicare to Meet the Prescriber Enrollment Requirements? 

Beginning June 1, 2016, prescribers who write prescriptions for Part D drugs must be enrolled in an approved status or have a valid opt-out affidavit on file with Medicare in order for their prescriptions to be covered under Medicare Part D. Before opting out of Medicare, you should consider the following impacts:

You will not be able to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, and  
Your opt-out status lasts for two years and cannot be terminated unless within 90 days of your opt out designation

To learn more about the options available to you, refer to the decision chart. For more information on the prescriber enrollment requirements refer to Part D Prescriber Enrollment web page.