Description
The implementation of the Medicare Modernization
Act of 2003 (MMA) has significant implications for
the pharmacy profession, especially community pharmacy.
When Medicare beneficiaries are looking for information
on the new Medicare benefit, the most likely source
they will turn to is their community pharmacist. A
recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that one
third of seniors likely turn to their pharmacist first
for advice about the Medicare drug program.
It
is essential that pharmacists provide Medicare beneficiaries
with accurate and timely information about the new
Medicare benefit. If not adequately prepared, beneficiary
confusion could lead to hesitancy and potential long-term
consequences for this aging population. Engaging pharmacists
to reach out to Medicare beneficiaries is key to the
ultimate success of Part D.
The
NCPA Medicare Rx Forums will provide pharmacists with
the tools they need to survive the new Medicare prescription
drug benefit. These regional town hall style presentations
will update pharmacists on Medicare Part D including
an overview of Medicare Part D, implications for pharmacy
practice, and how to communicate with Medicare beneficiaries.
Additionally, it will highlight areas of professional
and business opportunities to make the best of the
new Medicare benefit for 2006 and beyond.
Learning
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this activity, the pharmacist should be better able
to:
- Detail the program structure of the Medicare Part D prescription
drug program.
- Describe the role of prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare
Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD) in the 2006 Medicare drug
benefit.
- List the specific enrollment requirements for dual eligibles and
low-income beneficiaries into Part D.
- Discuss the pharmacy network contracting requirements for Part D
plan sponsors.
- Develop a model communication/marketing plan to assist Medicare
beneficiaries enrollment into the Medicare prescription drug program.
Target
Audience
Pharmacists
and Pharmacy Technicians
CE
Credit
A score of 70 percent is required to successfully
complete the CE quiz. You will have two opportunities
to achieve a passing score.
The
Statement of Credit should be printed upon receipt;
a duplicate copy will be available in the participant's
online transcript for further viewing. Individuals must
complete this program by July 16, 2008 to receive credit.
NCPA
is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy
Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
This program will provide 2 contact hours (0.2 CEUs)
of continuing pharmacy education credit under the number
207-000-05-106-H03.
Faculty
Information
Bruce A. Semingson, R.Ph., FACA,
is the Vice President of Managed Care Sales for United
Drugs.
Faculty
Disclosure Statements
NCPA has a conflict of interest policy that
requires course faculty to disclose any real or apparent
commercial financial affiliations related to the content
of their presentations/materials.
Software
Requirements
