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Beginning January 1, 2006 the new Prescription Drug Benefit (Medicare Part D) will provide prescription coverage under Medicare. As of that date, Medicare Part D replaces Medicaid as the primary pharmacy coverage for individuals who are in receipt of Medicaid and Medicare (referred to as dual eligibles). All Medicaid dual eligibles must be enrolled in Medicare Part D to receive drug benefits. In order to prevent a lapse in prescription drug coverage, the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) will enroll all full benefit dual eligibles into a Medicare prescription drug plan effective January 1, 2006 auto-assigning dual eligibles during October 2005. Recipients may opt to change plans at any time. Although Medicare Part D is a “voluntary” program, New York State Law requires Medicaid applicants and recipients to enroll in Medicare as a condition of eligibility. Therefore, if an individual refuses to enroll in Medicare Part D, he/she will not be eligible for Medicaid.
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