Medicare and Part D

Emergency MMA Drug Program
Extended Through March 17, 2006

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California's state emergency coverage program for dual eligibles (those who are eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare) who are unable to obtain their medications from the Medicare drug program has been extended.

The program is extended through March 17, 2006. The legislation that authorizes the program also allows the Governor to extend the program up to an additional 60 days if needed.

Following (or whatever works for a link) are the revised provider billing instructions on how to obtain emergency Medi-Cal coverage when a person who is dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal cannot get their prescription from the Medicare program.

The bulletin is also available at www.medi-cal.ca.gov.

People should bring their Medi-Cal card and Medicare drug card or Medicare acknowledgement letter to the pharmacy to assist them in billing. People who are concerned about the availability of this process at their pharmacy can bring a copy of this provider bulletin with them to show the pharmacy.

As of midnight on February 9, 2006, this emergency program has paid for 289,641 prescriptions for 128,899 people who are dually enrolled in Medi-Cal and Medicare with reimbursement equal to nearly $21 million.