The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has finalized a rule that aims to strengthen Medicare Advantage, lower prescription drug costs and protect senior patients and those with disabilities.
The rule will crack down on misleading marketing tactics by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans that target seniors and patients with disabilities, according to an April 5 news release from CMS. The rule will require all ads for coverage plans to mention a specific plan name.
The rule will expand eligibility for the full low-income subsidy benefit to enrollees who meet the eligibility criteria with incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The change will be implemented Jan. 1, 2024.
The rule is also expanding access to behavioral healthcare by adding clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers to the list of evaluated specialties available through Medicare Advantage.
Read the rest of the changes here.