CMS Announcements

Part D Advisors, Inc. wants to keep you informed of any news or updates relating to the Medicare Part D Retiree Drug Subsidy Program.  That is why we maintain this listing of all relevant CMS/RDS announcements sent to participants in the Retiree Drug Subsidy program.  Announcements are sporadic and are often released as emails which do not get posted on thier site. The most current announcements are at the top of the list, which is updated with every new release.

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CMS Announcement: CMS Working on Managed Care, Drug Rules For Private Plan Packages (Updated 8/1/08)
CMS Announcement

CMS Issuing OVERPAYMENT STATUS notices via email: (Updated 7/3/08)
The RDS will be notifying Plan Sponsors of thier overpayment status via email.  It is very important that junk mail and spam filters allow emails from: rdspayment@cms.hhs.gov.  Losing these emails or having them blocked by an email filter is not an excuse for failing to send a check or money order to the RDS.     
Sample Overpayment Email and Overpayment Status Emails

CMS Announcement: (Updated 6/12/08)
How to finalize covered retirees.  More information on completing reconciliation step 4.
Finalizing Covered Retirees

CMS Announcement: (Updated 6/12/08)
New warning notices have been added the the reconciliation checklist.  To view the full announcement follow the link below:
Reconciliation Checklist Warning Messages

CMS Announcement: (Updated 6/12/08)
The importance of having an accurate Covered Retiree List has prompted the RDS to allow Reconciliation steps 3 and 4 to be changed to an "Incomplete Status."
Making Changes to a Covered Retiree List

CMS Reminder: (Updated 6/12/08)
Details for the revisions to the rebate reporting policies of the RDS and dates of applicability.
Rebate Reporting Reminder and Modifications to Applicability Dates

CMS Announcement: (Updates 6/10/08)
The CMS has revised thier guidance on reporting rebates.
Revised Guidance on Reporting Rebates

CMS Announcement: (Updated 6/4/08)
Contains new information on your RDS application and reporting of rebates.
Follow the link for the full text of the announcement.
Reporting Rebates

CMS Release: (Updated 6/12/08 originally released 5/30/08)
This release contains guidance on the Actuarial Equivalence Standard as well as tips on qualifying covered retirees.
Updated Guidance on RDS Topics 

CMS Announcement: (Updated 5/22/08)
This announcement outlines critical information to help RDS Plan Sponsors meet thier Reconciliation deadlines.
CMS Announcement for RDS Plan Sponsors

CMS Announcement: (Updated 5/19/08)
This announcement contains helpful information regarding proposed revisions to RDS regulations.  Follow the link below for the full release.
Proposed Revisions to RDS Regulations

RDS NEWS RELEASE (Updated 6/12/08 originally released 4/17/08):
2009 COST LIMIT AND THRESHOLD AMMOUNTS
The RDS has announced that all plan years ending in 2009 will use a $295 Threshold and a $6,000 Limit for determining all subsidy payments.  Follow the link below to view the entire news release.
2009 Cost Limit and Threshold Announcement

CMS Announces Revisions to RDS Regulations Updated (Updated 6/12/08 originally released 4/17/08)
On April 15, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published revisions to the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) regulations in the Federal Register.  To see the full text of the release follow the link below.
RDS Revises Regulations

New RDS Appeals Functionality Now Available (Updated 4/11/08)
The announcement contains information of requesting an appeal for an RDS application.  Follow the link below for the full text of the announcement.
RDS Appeals Funtionality Now Available

CMS Reconciliation Deadline Extension: (Updated 4/8/08)
The CMS' RDS Center announced the extension of many Plan Sponsors' reconciliation deadlines. Click below for more information: 
CMS Reconciliation Deadline Extension

CMS Issues Final Reconciliation Rules: (Updated 6/12/08 originally released 4/8/08)
The CMS published guidelines regarding completing the RDS reconciliation, including some helpful Q&As. Click below for a copy of the CMS guidlines:
How To Complete RDS Reconciliation