All,

Forwarding the most recent MPF update from ACL .  See the highlighted portion of the update confirming that SHIP counselors can seek plan finder assistance via the SHIP Unique ID phone line.

 

 

 

From ACL

 

 

 

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Hi Everyone,

 

CMS was able to make a few updates this week to improve the function of the Medicare Plan Finder.  Most of these updates went into effect on Wednesday morning.   I apologize for the delay in communication.  The delay is entirely on me. 

 

Please share the following updates with your teams:

 

Catastrphic Pricing

CMS resolved the issue that many of you reported that started on Friday Oct 25, related to how the monthly drug pricing breakdown displayed for a portion of beneficiaries when they reach the catastrophic limit.   This was corrected Wednesday (10/30) morning. 

 

Additional MPF Usability Updates

CMS implemented a number of additional changes to improve functionality and the quality of data that is displaying based on feedback including:

- Updated the ZIP code prefill to be 5 digits rather than 5+4 digits

- Changed color of current plan card to better distinguish from other plan cards

- When mail order only is selected, added the option to sort by Drug cost + Premium

- - Corrected display of drug premium for LIS: 100% premium subsidy with high copayment (ranging $3.60 - $8.95) and $89 deductible

- Updated data source to correct issues with some beneficiaries’ current plans displaying accurately

 

Unique ID

We have been getting questions on the on Unique IDs and the use of the SHIP Unique ID phone line (1-888-647-6701).  Here are some important clarifications:

o    If a SHIP Unique ID user dials the 1-800-Medicare line, they’ll wait in line with all other callers for assistance.

o    If a SHIP Unique ID user dials the dedicated Unique ID phone number, the team member will get a priority position in the call que. When call volumes are high, like during OEP, a wait may still apply.

• NEW!!! SHIP counselors can request Medicare Plan Finder assistance in real time from the SHIP Unique ID phone line too.  Please use this if you have any questions with what you’re seeing on the MPF.
• If you run into any problems with using the Unique ID please report the issue to ACL using the attached process.  CMS is very interested in ensuring the Unique IDs are working correctly and help us troubleshoot issues as they arise. 

 

Feedback

• Please continue to send feedback via the online survey form. Although CMS isn’t able to respond directly to all of these, they are using your feedback to prioritize cross-cutting issues.  
• You may use the xxxxxx@cms.hhs.gov mailbox to share screenshots of issues as they arise. This is not the preferred method of contact but is a good source to be able to share screenshots directly with CMS. 
• Since ACL is no longer collecting the MPF issues (as we did in the past), Directors, please also share any major issues or trends you are seeing with ACL via the SHIP mailbox (xxxxxx@acl.hhs.gov).   
• We will also ask CMS to join the next SHIP Director-only call again in November so we will have another opportunity for all of you to hear from them directly during OEP.

 

Thank you,

 

Rebecca M Kinney

Director, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling

Administration for Community Living

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office: (202) 795-7375

xxxxxx@acl.hhs.gov

 

 

 

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