Part B Enrollment Changes Beginning January 1, 2023
A new CMS final rule, as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA), is making changes to the enrollment timeframes for Medicare Part B during both a beneficiary's Initial Enrollment Period and General Enrollment Period. For individuals enrolling or re-enrolling in Medicare Part B as of 1/1/23 and beyond, the effective dates of their coverage will change as follows:
-
- For individuals enrolling during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) -
- If they sign up for Part B during the 3-month window prior to their month of entitlement, their effective date will be the month of their entitlement (no change)
- If they sign up for Part B during the month of their entitlement or the 3 following months, their Part B benefits will begin the month following their enrollment
- For individuals enrolling during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) -
- Their Part B benefits will begin the month following their enrollment
- For individuals enrolling during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) -
Because of these new enrollment timeframes, it's recommended that everyone enroll in their Part B benefits online at the beginning of the month. There could be issues where a client signs up for Part B during the end of the month but may not show active in Medicare's system for some time. If an application for a Medicare Advantage plan is submitted at the same time, the carrier may not be able to verify their Part B enrollment which could lead to a delay. Signing up online through SSA.gov as early in the month as possible will speed up the processing timeframe and help avoid these delays.
New Year, New Voluntary Benefits!
The Voluntary Benefits Team is ready to partner with you and your clients in 2023! Tiffany Smith and her team will be your one-stop-shop for GAP plans such as Hospital, Accident, Disability and more! Sit back and relax while the Voluntary Benefits team handles employee enrollment, education, billing, claims and more. Plus, you will receive commission on each policy sold!
Optima Vendor Changes
Optima is changing their pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from OptumRx® to Express Scripts (ESI) as well as their vision services vendor from Eyemed to VSP Vision Care (VSP). These changes are effective January 1, 2023, regardless of a group’s effective date.
Members will experience a seamless transition; all active pre-authorizations will automatically transfer to the new vendors. Prior to January 1, 2023, Optima will issue new member ID cards to reflect the new pharmacy vendor information.
The information herein should not be construed as legal or tax advice in any way. This content is provided for informational purposes only. You should seek the advice of your attorney or tax consultant for additional or specific information.