Medicare Part D Delayed Once Again

Recently Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced another delay in the implementation in CMS-1459-F. Under this ruling, all healthcare providers who write prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries must be either enrolled in Medicare or have a valid opt out affidavit on file. The new enforcement date is February 1, 2017, but CMS has stated all enrollment applications or opt out affidavits should be submitted prior to June 1, 2016 to allow time for processing.

With multiple delays, many dentists are wondering if this requirement will be actually be implemented. Furthermore, some are questioning whether this ruling will apply to them. This ruling is only one part of a greater initiative that will, in part, assist Medicare in identifying areas where improvements are needed to Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). In addition, it will allow CMS and anti-fraud contractors to collect information required to identify abuse and possible fraud. All communication from Medicare indicates that this ruling will be implemented. Further, they have stated that this applies to all healthcare providers, including dentists.