CMS Acknowledges Error in Printed Copies of "Medicare & You 2006" Handbooks

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) acknowledged an error in the "area-specific" printed versions of the "Medicare & You 2006" handbooks which were mailed to Medicare beneficiaries in October 2005.

The error appears in the comparison drug charts starting on page 97-A. In the column entitled "If I Qualify for Extra Help, Will My Full Premium Be Covered?" all plans indicate a "YES" answer which is incorrect. Approximately 60% of the plans should say "NO." This column should say "YES" for those plans whose premium is at or below the regional benchmark and when the beneficiary who qualifies for the low-income subsidy would pay no premium. If the plan's premium exceeds the regional benchmark and the beneficiary would pay some amount toward the premium, the column should say "NO."

Corrected area-specific versions of the handbook can be found online at www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/tools/materials/publications/state/handbook2006/default.asp. In addition, CMS has notified all companies offering Medicare Prescription Drug Plans as well as outreach and education partners of the error. CMS has also provided them with information enabling them to better assist those asking for details about qualifying for extra help.

Source: CMS, Notice of Errata "Medicare &
You 2006" Handbook