FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program

[Scout333]

Hello Fellow TSP'rs, I recently received an automatic enrollment into the new FEP Medicare (Part D) Drug Program. As I understand the brochure provided this replaces our traditional FEP Mail Service benefits. I received my automatic enrollment yesterday. After reviewing the brochure info provided I didn't see any big improvement over the traditional FEP Mail Service benefits we already have. If you move quickly enough there is an OPT Out provision. Call the customer service number on the back of your FEP card and follow the phone tree. Has anyone else researched this new pharmacy benefit? Thoughts? Makes you wonder why BCBS supports this plan? I.E. What is in it for them?

[Cathy57]

I opted out in Nov. It seems that it’ll save BCBS money when Medicare is the primary prescription plan. BCBS told me that it doesn’t affect my premiums. What they didn’t tell me was Medicare D would cost me $$. I couldn’t get a quote on that. I was instructed by Medicare that I didn’t need to get the “D” plan as long as my secondary has a prescription coverage already. Again, i believe “D” plan may be better for someone that uses prescriptions that are not covered or has a higher deductible. I don’t feel BCBS should automatically enroll us & then we should have to accept or opt out. Although it may help someone that may need it & is not aware of better coverage. It does make you wonder they way they went about this too.

[nasa1974]

I wonder if it has to do with trying to reduce the cost of drugs for Medicare.

[nnuut]

All of a sudden they seem to want more MONEY for Medicine. I don't like this, what's happening here?

[nasa1974]

Thanks Scout.
Went back and read the letter dated 11/27 that I got a few days ago. It doesn't say you can opt out, but I will call next week. If they go back to my 2021 taxes, I'm guessing I will have to pay the IRMAA charge. I was working full time as a contractor for NASA and getting my pension until I retired (again) in June of 21.

[Scout333]

Thanks Scout.
Went back and read the letter dated 11/27 that I got a few days ago. It doesn't say you can opt out, but I will call next week. If they go back to my 2021 taxes, I'm guessing I will have to pay the IRMAA charge. I was working full time as a contractor for NASA and getting my pension until I retired (again) in June of 21.

Too little information to make a reasonably good decision. Also, one other thing the Opt out provision is an individual choice ie. Spouse must also opt out if they don't want to be covered under the Part D plan.

[evilanne]

I don't know what the downside is other than with IRMAA but I'm really suspect of the whole medicare program but here is an explanation of the changes from last October https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/10/what-federal-annuitants-need-know-about-medicare-part-d-2024/391579/