CMS gears up Medicare Part D for 2007

CMS has begun preparations for the 2007 Medicare Part D benefit, releasing a draft of Chapter 6 of the Medicare Part D manual, a checklist for drug coverage plans, and announcing the release of a new version of the E1 system that will go live in December. The new E1 version will include new data elements to assist pharmacies with processing beneficiary prescriptions as well as a data field, and more specific messaging capabilities. CMS is also accepting comments on the revised draft of Chapter 6 of the Medicare Part D manual, which contains information specific to the definition of a Part D drug, Part D exclusions, formulary requirements, and transition. Comments will be accepted until 5:00 P.M. EST, Tuesday, Sept. 26. The chapter and directions for submitting comments can be found at: www.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovContra/Downloads/PartDManual_Chapter6.pdf.

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