Who will administer the voluntary drug benefit?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has identified two categories of entities to facilitate the prescription drug program to Medicare beneficiaries: Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPDs). PDPs must offer a basic prescription drug benefit. PDPs will be administered by PBMs and other interested parties. In conjunction with a managed care plan, MAPDs must offer either a basic benefit or broader coverage for no additional cost. Medicare Advantage plans were formerly known as Medicare + Choice plans.