Update: Deadline extended for providers who prescribe drugs for Part D patients to enroll in Medicare

As you’ve read in The Record previously, Medicare will require nearly all providers (for example, dentists, physicians, psychiatrists, residents, nurse practitioners and physician assistants), including Medicare Advantage providers, who prescribe drugs for Part D patients to enroll in Medicare (or validly opt out, if appropriate).

The deadline for enrolling has been extended to Feb. 1, 2017. Beginning on that date, Medicare will enforce a requirement that Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit plans may not cover drugs prescribed by providers who aren’t enrolled in (or validly opted out of) Medicare, except in very limited circumstances.

Why is this important?

Unless you enroll (or validly opt out), Medicare Part D plans will be required to notify your Medicare patients that you aren’t able to prescribe covered Part D drugs. Note that if you opt out, you can’t receive reimbursement from traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, either directly or indirectly (except for emergency and urgent care services).

Steps you need to take

To help your Medicare patients, please enroll in Medicare either fully to bill or for the limited purpose of prescribing Part D drugs as soon as possible. There are no fees to complete the process. You can enroll electronically or on paper as follows:

• Electronic process: Use the PECOS system by clicking here.** For limited enrollment, use the step-by-step instructions found here** and a video tutorial by clicking here.**

• Paper process: Complete the paper application for limited enrollment by clicking here** and submit it to the MAC in your geographic area. To locate your MAC, please refer to the MAC list at Part D Prescriber Enrollment - MAC List - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.**

If you need help with enrolling in (or validly opting out of) Medicare, contact the MAC within your geographic area.

These new CMS rules will enable federal officials to better combat fraud and abuse in the Part D program through verification of providers’ credentials through the Medicare enrollment or opt-out process.

Questions? Need help?

Contact CMS at providerenrollment@cms.hhs.gov if you have questions about this information, you don’t prescribe drugs or if you believe that you aren’t eligible to enroll in Medicare (for example, you are a pharmacist).

Visit the CMS Part D Prescriber Enrolment website at Part D Prescriber Enrollment - MAC List - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services** for information about the new requirement, such as resources to check your application status or to sign up to receive email updates.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan does not own or control this website.