Right now we have an employer group waiver plan (EGWP) for the prescription drug plan. Simply put, Medicare (Silverscript) pays some and the State pays the rest except for co-pays. It's all done behind the scenes, so we don't notice. It is a Silverscript/State of Maryland combination plan. It just looks like it is only the Silverscript plan.
If the Fitch vs. State of Maryland lawsuit is determined in favor of the State, you will be on your own to determine the best prescription drug plan for those on your plan, retired and Medicare eligible, or disabled. The Silverscript/State of Maryland combination plan will not be available. You will not be limited to the Silverscript-only plan.
In the 2019 session, the Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 946, but implementation details have not been provided.
If we loose our prescription drug plan, each person must decide which Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is best for them. It depends on which plans are available in your area, if your prescription drugs are on the formulary, as well as whether you want to pay a deductible or not. A plan without a deductible will have a higher premium. This year the deductible is $445.00. As you know, our state plan does not have a deductible.
Start by making a list of any prescription drugs you are taking and the dosage. You'll need the name, dosage, quantity, and frequency for each drug.
One option is to phone Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Ask them to assist you with Medicare Part D plan information. However, Open Enrollment is October 15 - December 7 each year, which is when you would have an opportunity to make changes. You would just be browsing at this time and gathering information. To be sure, I do not recommend dropping the State of Maryland Medical and Prescription Drug coverage, as you will not be able to re-enroll for coverage in the future.
Another option is to contact your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). This is a state program that gets money from the Federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. Each state has its own SHIP office. The phone number for the Maryland SHIP office is 1-800-243-3425. The list of phone numbers of the different state SHIP offices is in the Silverscript 2021 Evidence of Coverage booklet beginning on page 139.
Or, I would choose this option. Google "How to choose a Medicare part D plan" or look for plans at https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?lang=en&year=2021
At this site you can click on "continue without logging in" to answer a few questions, list your prescription drugs and browse the Part D drug plans in your zip code area. Click on "Drug Plan Part D" to get started. You can take your time and explore each plan in your zip code at your own pace.
While you are on the Medicare site, you may notice information about Medicare Advantage Plans. Don't be fooled. Medicare Advantage plans are HMO-like plans. They work well while you are well, but folks want out of these plans when they become ill. Then, they are able to return to Original Medicare, but can't get a supplemental plan to go with it, because of medical underwriting (pre existing conditions).
I support signing the petition to save our prescription drug benefits. Writing to your legislator is another way to support the effort.