32 Groups Advise CMS on Educational Efforts for Implementation of Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
Published March 15, 2024
On February 15, CMS released the draft Part II Guidance for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MP3). The MP3 is a new payment flexibility, mandated by Section 11202 of the Inflation Reduction Act, that allows Medicare beneficiaries the option to utilize zero-interest payment installments for out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medications. The Alliance has been a leading advocate for affordability reforms, including the $2,000 annual cap for Part D beneficiaries and the MP3 program.
The MP3 Part II guidance focused on education and beneficiary notification requirements for Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD), standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), and for pharmacies. The comment letter, led by the Alliance and joined by 31 leading organizations, focused on enhancing these activities, ensuring clarity in communication, and enabling of beneficiary program access. The letter also recommends that CMS 1) allow individuals that have previously opted into the MP3 to remain enrolled as default if they remain with the same plan for the following plan year, 2) work with additional well-placed partners on outreach and education efforts, and 3) reconsider key considerations related to determining whether a beneficiary is “likely to benefit” from the program.