Thread by @sagar_ankita

#MedicarePartD --- we wrap up the #tweetorial series on Medicare with Medicare 103 - Part D
Part D - D for drugs (as in meds)!

#PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

1/

2/ #MedicarePartD is an extension of #Medicare to allow coverage for medication for Medicare enrollees. But it is an optional or opt-in program, with a premium (monthly)

#MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

3/ Formulary - used in Part D plans; must cover at least 2 medications per category; formulary change time to time causing concern for clinicians + patients
Tiers are also used within formulary to delineate coverage

#MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

4/ Donut Holes are concerns for enrollees - but 2020 should see the phasing out of the infamous donut holes

#MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

5/ 75% of Medicare enrollees are enrolled in Part D = 45 million!

#MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

6/ Founded in 2003, 17 years later, Part D has shown significant growth!

#MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

7/ Premiums for Part D are dependent upon income for those in traditional Medicare;
There are many components in addition for the total cost of Medicare for patients

#MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule @policycapsule

8/ Part D is an important topic for clinicians and policy makers given large volume of enrollees, associated costs and likelihood of continued need.

9/ References for #MedicarePartD #PolicyCapsule:

Medicare: medicare.gov/drug-coverage-…
Medicare Part D Cost: medicare.gov/drug-coverage-…
@KFF: kff.org/medicare/fact-…
@KFF: kff.org/medicare/issue…
@Health_Affairs: healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hpb…

@KFF @Health_Affairs @MParshleyMD @GIMaPreceptor @MCarneyMD @TomMcGinn4