A national organization that represents pharmacists says the marketing for many "restricted network" Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are misleading patients.
According to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), Part D plans are deceptively marketed to patients and featured on Medicare's Plan Finder without making clear that the lowest advertised drug prices are only available at relatively few, selected pharmacies.
Another problem is that the restricted network plans may discriminate against patients in rural communities in conflict with the agency's pharmacy access requirements. Nearly all of the plans are centered on national pharmacy chains that cater to large cities and suburban areas.
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The Medicare Plan Finder tool is an online search resource established by the U.S. government that's used to compare plans. The tool lists all area plans that are available, and gives details about premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
NCPA sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and asked the agency to correct the Medicare Plan Finder tool to clarify that lower-cost prescription drug cost sharing is only available at the preferred pharmacy; and to require restricted network plans to openly and transparently state in all communications that patients are required to go to the preferred pharmacy in order to obtain the advertised drug costs.
"From day one, these overly restrictive drug plans have raised questions about ensuring adequate access to pharmacy care, which is why NCPA has opposed them," said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA. "We urge Medicare officials to consider these marketing and patient access concerns and take action in the interest of seniors."
The Medicare Part D plan open enrollment season is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2011.
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