Tag Archives: Online

DestinationRx?s New Online Tool Helps Seniors Navigate Medicare Part D

Posted on by
Reply


Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 6, 2007

DestinationRx? is encouraging seniors and their families and caretakers to educate themselves and shop around before selecting a Medicare Part D health plan this enrollment season (November 15 ? December 31). Their new site offers an easy to use, senior-friendly online comparison tool to help consumers understand their options, compare Medicare plans, and find the right plan for themselves or their loved ones.

Comfort, Control, Continuity and Cost Savings

Consumers will be able to use the online tool beginning November 15th. Seniors will simply enter their zip code and prescription drug requirements, and the program will provide a list of Part D plans in their area. Seniors will also be able to conduct side-by-side comparisons based on monthly and annual premiums, deductible amounts, coverage gap or ?donut hole? coverage and estimated annual cost for their prescription drugs, and ultimately apply to the Part D plan of their choice.

By using advanced technology behind a simple, senior-friendly online tool, DestinationRx is able to give seniors important information about their options and the means to choose a plan ? and ultimately save money. ?Seniors can save money by comparing plans to find the most cost-efficient plan in their area. They can take control by being informed about their options and making educated decisions to avoid the surprises of changing premiums and drug costs,? said Michael Cho, CEO of DestinationRx.

The potential benefits go beyond cost savings. Changes in many aspects of drug plans are a certainty this year, and consumers that take the time to understand their current plan and the changes taking effect will have a clearer picture of whether they should stay in their current plan or switch plans. For seniors who want to switch, this new online comparison tool can help inform them of their options and make the switch to a plan that better suits their needs.

Expanding the Comfort Zone

As many as 91% of Medicare beneficiaries could see significant cost savings by switching plans ? those who don?t can expect an average 21% increase in their plan premiums. Comfort and convenience are two reasons consumers tend not to change their health plans year to year ? but this could prevent seniors from making necessary changes to minimize their healthcare spending. And with the possibility of Medicare members having up to 50 different Part D plans to choose from in their zip code, making decisions about changing plans can be a very complex and daunting task.

?Research shows the majority of seniors will make a choice about their health plan based on isolated decision-making and without consulting additional sources. Hence, most seniors will not switch plans although they have the opportunity to do so once each year. We are trying to turn that fact around,? added Cho. ?We want to raise awareness among seniors and other eligibles already enrolled in Medicare Part D plans, as well as caretakers of these seniors, and simplify the process of choosing a plan, with the potential for real cost savings.?

Giving Seniors Tools They Can Use

Today?s technology is encouraging better use of resources for plan comparisons and purchasing options for a variety of prescription drug and other healthcare transactions. An increasing number of consumers over 50 ? who are often the caretakers or family members of Medicare beneficiaries ? are Internet-savvy and are using technology to manage health spending. These consumers often influence the health decisions made by elderly family members, and the new online comparison tool can be a resource for family members in addition to seniors.

As the cost of prescription drugs continues to soar, seniors also need to empower themselves as consumers. Tools that offer advanced technology, but take into account seniors? specific needs, can help them make informed decisions and save on healthcare costs. ?In the past, the savings we?ve seen seniors achieve has been pretty amazing,? Cho said.

?A key weapon for consumers in all industries is independent research. For example, few people would walk into a car lot and buy the first vehicle they laid eyes on. They would do some research on their own and weigh the pros and cons of various models,? said Cho. ?This same principle applies to prescription drug insurance. Patients who want to save money need to become savvy consumers.?

The online Medicare Part D comparison tool will be live on November 15, but seniors can currently sign up on the site to be reminded as the Open Enrollment period draws closer.

About DestinationRx

Founded in 1999, DestinationRx, Inc. is a leader in consumer drug comparison and purchasing technology. The company provides government and commercial plan providers with the resources to create fully integrated and comprehensive decision-support capabilities for their members. DestinationRx is also a leading consumer resource, providing education, price comparisons, and purchasing options for a variety of prescription drug and other healthcare transactions with in the context of the DestinationRx Medicine Cabinet?. The company?s client roster includes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), large health plans, Fortune 100 employers, and advocacy organizations.

For more information,

DestinationRx http://www.drx.com.

Medicare Part D Plan online comparison tool http://www.drx.com/medicare-partd/compare/intermediate.aspx

Contact:

Russell LaMontagne

DestinationRx

212/255-5340

russell @ corinthgroup.com

###





Find More La Medicare Press Releases

Q1Medicare.com Brings Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Exceptions, Appeals, and Grievance Section Online

Posted on by
Reply

Saint Augustine, FL (PRWEB) July 13, 2011

Q1Medicare.com has now added an online section to help Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers understand the processes involved with Medicare Part D Exceptions, Appeals, and Grievances.

All members of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans have the right to request a Formulary Exception or Coverage Determination from their Medicare Part D plan. A Formulary Exception is a request for a specific change in plan coverage and can be made for several reasons. For instance, a Medicare beneficiary may request that a non-formulary medication be covered by their drug plan or a person may ask that their medication be moved to a lower cost-sharing tier or they could request a change to a specific utilization management restriction. However, not all exceptions are allowed. For instance, a person cannot ask that their Medicare Part D plan cover a medication that is specifically excluded from the Medicare Part D program.

Usually a person, their physician or their appointed representative, can file an exception. However, a Formulary Exception is usually not successful without some assistance from the physician or the medication prescriber. If a person?s health is at risk, they can also ask that their exception be given an expedited or faster review. Generic forms to file a written exception can be downloaded at: Q1Medicare.com/ExceptionForms, although some plans may require the use of their own exception forms.

Medicare Part D plans do not automatically grant a request for a Formulary Exception or Coverage Determination. If a request for a Formulary Exception is denied, the Medicare beneficiary can challenge their plan?s decision through five different appeal levels, starting with the Medicare Part D plan itself and ending with a Federal Court. A chart showing the different levels of appeal can be viewed at: Q1Medicare.com/AppealsChart.

A Medicare beneficiary also has the right to file a complaint or grievance with their Medicare Part D plan. For instance, if a Medicare Part D plan does not respond to a request for an exception or an appeal on a timely basis, the Medicare beneficiary can telephone their plan and file a grievance. A list of other common grievances can be viewed at: Q1Medicare.com/Grievance.

?We hear from many people who are still unaware that they can request changes to their Medicare Part D coverage or they are simply intimidated at the thought of challenging their plan?s decision,? notes Dr. Susan Johnson, Technical Director and co-founder of Q1Group LLC. ?We are hoping that our new section will help Medicare beneficiaries understand more about Exceptions, Appeals, and Grievances and realize that these procedures have been put into place to insure their access to appropriate health care.?

About the Q1Medicare.com Website

Q1Medicare.com is one of the largest independent online resources for Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and Medicare Advantage plan information. Q1Medicare offers a comprehensive section of Frequently Asked Questions, online tools, and a free Medicare Part D Newsletter all designed to help Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, advocates, advisors, and insurance agents better understand the Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage programs. Q1Medicare.com is operated by Q1Group LLC (Saint Augustine, Florida).

# # #