Guidance Coming on Medicare Drug Benefits

The call letter also said that the government will not be participating in a subsidy program, designed mainly for private sector employers, to encourage employers to keep insurance coverage for its retirees when the full Medicare prescription drug program begins in 2006. Said OPM, “We believe the vast majority of federal retirees, who already receive more generous prescription coverage through the FEHB program, will not enroll in Medicare Part D. However, for those few retirees that choose to enroll in Part D, OPM will be providing supplemental guidance in the near future for coordinating Part D benefits with FEHB program coverage.” OPM also said it will provide guidance on notifying enrollees on creditable prescription drug coverage.