Oct. 11, 2017

Retail Member Mailing for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Creditable/Non-creditable Notifications

This article applies to the following plans: Retail Legacy Plans, Retail U65 ACA Plans.

The annual communication efforts to retail members, informing them whether their plan’s prescription drug coverage is “creditable” or “non-creditable” when compared against Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, begins this week.

Creditable coverage is defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as “prescription drug coverage (for example, from an employer or union) that's expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare’s standard prescription drug coverage.”

The mailings will go to retail members with prescription drug coverage who are over the age of 65 or who will turn 65 during 2017. Members will receive a letter explaining that their prescription drug coverage is either “creditable” or “non-creditable.” The notice also contains information about their options under Medicare prescription coverage.

Important: Members should keep this notification for their records. If they decide to switch to Medicare prescription drug coverage, the notice will show their prior coverage and may help determine whether they are required to pay a higher premium.

The following text is included in the cover letter:

Dear Member,
Enclosed you will find an important notice about next year’s prescription drug coverage with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. The notice also explains your options under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you decide whether or not you want to join a Medicare drug plan.

Please read this notice carefully and keep it in a safe place.

If you have any questions, please call the Customer Service number listed on the back of your membership card.