To be ready for the changes in March, M+COs need to act now.
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (DIMA) is up and running and means immediate changes for Medicare+ Choice organizations. Rates are set to increase as of March 1, 2004, and M+COs can choose to enhance benefits, decrease premiums or cost-sharing, contribute to a benefit stabilization fund or stabilize or enhance beneficiary access to their providers. Under DIMA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services now may allow organizations that left the M+C program in 2002 or 2003 to reenter in the new DIMA adjusted community rate proposal season. Here is what plans need to watch for: Jan. 23 - M+C organizations should notify CMS of their intent to re-enter the program or their calendar year 2003 service area; Jan. 30 - submit ACRP and marketing materials to CMS; and March 9 - must have notified all members of benefit and/or cost sharing changes. For more questions and answers regarding the immediate DIMA provisions, see:
http://cms.hhs.gov/healthplans/acr/.