What's Happening in the States

States are responding to the start of the Medicare drug benefit in several ways. Some states are looking for innovative ways to expand Pharmacy Assistance Programs to help fill gaps in drug coverage. Other states, looking for savings, are reducing benefits.

As the new benefit takes effect, many states are reporting implementation problems, particularly for low-income beneficiaries.  In response, some states have chosen to protect their residents by temporarily continuing to pay prescription drug costs for dual eligibles and others.  See What States Are Doing About Part D Transition.

Below we list some resources that can help you keep track of what's going on in your state and see what you should be urging your state to do (and to guard against).

Trouble Brewing? New Medicare Drug Law Puts Low-Income People at RiskThe Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) was touted as a program that would help all Medicare enrollees, particularly the neediest, obtain prescription drug coverage. Now there is evidence that a flaw in the MMA will cause serious harm to many of the most vulnerable elderly and people with disabilities. (July 2005)

Gearing Up Series: Families USA's Gearing Up series outlines steps that states can take to make the commencement of the Medicare drug benefit easier for beneficiaries, including a discussion of what states can do to fill gaps in the drug benefit.

• Gearing Up: States Face the New Medicare Law—Is Your State Ready for 2006?This report examines what the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit means for state Medicaid programs. (September 2004)
• Gearing Up: The Holes in Part D - Gaps in the New Medicare Drug Benefit, Part 1 of 2(July 2005)
• Gearing Up: Filling the Holes in Part D - The Essential Role of State Pharmacy Assistance Programs, Part 2 of 2(July 2005)

For more info on what's happening in the states, click here.