--- title: Proposed Medicare Part D Changes Are Postponed description: Proposed Medicare Part D Changes Are Postponed image: https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-572717138-gif/images/medicarepartd-resized-600.gif --- [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MBR-Images/logo.png?width=340&name=logo.png)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/) - [Home](https://www.mbrbilling.com/) - [Client Login](http://clientlogin.mbrbilling.com/) - [Contact Us](https://www.mbrbilling.com/contact-us) SEARCH # Medical Billing Blog # Proposed Medicare Part D Changes Are Postponed Posted by [Scott Shatzman](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/author/scott-shatzman) on Tue, Mar, 11, 2014 @ 09:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![MedicarePartD resized 600](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-572717138-gif/images/medicarepartd-resized-600.gif?width=348&height=273&name=medicarepartd-resized-600.gif) The Obama administration has dropped plans to change the Medicare prescription drug program amid criticism from industry, patient advocacy groups and lawmakers that the changes would limit seniors’ access to certain medications and choice of plans. CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner wrote in a letter to Congress Monday that she was shelving changes proposed in January that could have loosened the requirements that Medicare Part D insurance plans cover a broad range of drugs in six “protected classes” of medications. Since the start of Medicare’s prescription drug benefit in 2006, the government has required insurers to cover “all or substantially all” drugs in six treatment areas. The administration proposed in January to lift the requirement for three types of medications: immunosuppressant drugs used in transplant patients; antidepressants; and antipsychotic medicines, used to treat schizophrenia and certain related disorders. Medicare officials had said the proposal would have saved money and reduced the overuse of drugs. In addition, she said the administration had also decided to hold off on three other proposals. One proposal stipulates that insurers can offer no more than two prescription drug plans – one basic plan and one enhanced plan - to Medicare beneficiaries in the same region.  The health law’s ongoing closing of the Part D “doughnut hole,” the gap in coverage where seniors pay the full cost of coverage before the plan’s catastrophic cap kicks in, “has reduced the need for plans offering enhanced benefits,” according to CMS. The agency says that each region of the country now has on average nearly three dozen plans and reducing that would help give beneficiaries more clarity about the differences among plans. Critics of the proposal said it would limit seniors’ choices for coverage. Another would give patients greater access to small community pharmacies by requiring insurers to offer contracts to any retail drugstores willing to accept their terms and conditions. A third would allow the government to intervene in negotiations between insurers and pharmacies. The agency will, however, move forward with other elements of the rule, she said, including those aimed at ensuring access for beneficiaries during natural disasters, reducing fraud and broadening the release of Part D data that does not identify beneficiaries. ### Subscribe via Email [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-16642138-png/images/bg/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/MedBillResources) [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-16650079-png/images/bg/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/#!/MedBillResource) [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-16643229-png/images/bg/linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-billing-resources) [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hs-fs/file-16646680-png/images/bg/rss.png)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/CMS/UI/Modules/BizBlogger/rss.aspx?tabid=484940&moduleid=1043750&maxcount=25&u=107101&t=BBE4D262E126601B3B04C3F46C38B13F) [![New Call-to-Action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/119723/112e1d48-db0d-4713-be81-8744e7438136.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/119723/112e1d48-db0d-4713-be81-8744e7438136) [![Click me](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/119723/73857c0b-bb42-4989-9f2b-6f01b79dda8d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/119723/73857c0b-bb42-4989-9f2b-6f01b79dda8d) [![worksheet](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/119723/e4db838f-b08e-4fb6-bce4-c965b078dce1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/119723/e4db838f-b08e-4fb6-bce4-c965b078dce1)     ### Latest Posts ### Browse by Tag - [$75 million (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/75-million) - [2014 (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/2014) - [2015 (5)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/2015) - [21st Century Cures Act (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/21st-century-cures-act) - [340B drug pricing program (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/340b-drug-pricing-program) - [59 modifier (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/59-modifier) - [90 day wait period (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/90-day-wait-period) - [abuse (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/abuse) - [ACA (42)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/aca) - [ACA, Health Law, Repeal, GOP (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/aca-health-law-repeal-gop) - [access (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/access) - [Affordable Care Act (54)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/affordable-care-act) - [Alternative Payment Model (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/alternative-payment-model) - [AMA (6)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ama) - [Ambulatory Payment Classifications (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ambulatory-payment-classifications) - [annual notice (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/annual-notice) - [annual report (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/annual-report) - [Anthem (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/anthem) - [anti-kickback (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/anti-kickback) - [APM (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/apm) - [Audits (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/audits) - [Balance Billing (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/balance-billing) - [Balanced Budget Act (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/balanced-budget-act) - [Bankruptcy (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/bankruptcy) - [Baucus (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/baucus) - [BCBSMI (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/bcbsmi) - [Beneficiary Access (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/beneficiary-access) - [Bernard Sanders (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/bernard-sanders) - [billing (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/billing) - [billing, medical billing companies (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/billing-medical-billing-companies) - [Blue Cross Blue Shield (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/blue-cross-blue-shield) - [Bronze Plans (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/bronze-plans) - [budget (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/budget) - [bundled payments (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/bundled-payments) - [Canceling policies (5)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/canceling-policies) - [Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive Payment Model (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cardiac-rehabilitation-incentive-payment-model) - [Cardiology Billing (13)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cardiology-billing) - [CBO (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cbo) - [CEHRT (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cehrt) - [Certified EHR Technologies (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/certified-ehr-technologies) - [chart review (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/chart-review) - [CHIP (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/chip) - [Chronic Care Management (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/chronic-care-management) - [Cigna (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cigna) - [claims processing (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/claims-processing) - [CMS (49)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cms) - [CMS requirements (11)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cms-requirements) - [CMS, Final Rule, Quality Payment Program, Medicare (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cms-final-rule-quality-payment-program-medicare) - [CMS-1500 (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cms-1500) - [co-payment (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/co-payment) - [Cobra (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cobra) - [Coburn (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/coburn) - [coding (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/coding) - [Commonwealth Fund (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/commonwealth-fund) - [Compliance (49)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/compliance) - [Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/comprehensive-care-for-joint-replacement) - [congress (5)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/congress) - [Congressional Leadership (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/congressional-leadership) - [Consumer costs (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/consumer-costs) - [conversion factor (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/conversion-factor) - [coronavirus (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/coronavirus) - [cost (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cost) - [cost savings (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cost-savings) - [costs (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/costs) - [coverage (12)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/coverage) - [covid-19 (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [CPT (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/cpt) - [deductible (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/deductible) - [Delay (8)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/delay) - [Department of Labor (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/department-of-labor) - [Department of Veteran Affairs (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/department-of-veteran-affairs) - [Dermatology Billing (11)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/dermatology-billing) - [Detroit (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/detroit) - [diagnosis (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/diagnosis) - [Dingell (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/dingell) - [disclosure (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/disclosure) - [Doc Causus (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/doc-causus) - [doc fix (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/doc-fix) - [Doctors (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/doctors) - [documentation (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/documentation) - [DOJ (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/doj) - [DOL (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/dol) - [donut hole (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/donut-hole) - [DRG (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/drg) - [Drug Benefit (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/drug-benefit) - [drug discount (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/drug-discount) - [E/M (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/e-m) - [Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/early-retiree-reinsurance-program) - [EDI (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/edi) - [efficiency (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/efficiency) - [EHR (10)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ehr) - [EHR Incentive Program (5)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ehr-incentive-program) - [EHR Payment Adjustments (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ehr-payment-adjustments) - [Electronic Data Interchange (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/electronic-data-interchange) - [electronic health records (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/electronic-health-records) - [electronic medical records (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/electronic-medical-records) - [Eligible Clinicians (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/eligible-clinicians) - [Employer Mandate (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/employer-mandate) - [EMR (14)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/emr) - [enrollment (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/enrollment) - [EP (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ep) - [equity (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/equity) - [ERRP (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/errp) - [Exemption 6 (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/exemption-6) - [family health insurance (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/family-health-insurance) - [FDA (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/fda) - [federal court (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/federal-court) - [fee (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/fee) - [fee for service (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/fee-for-service) - [final rule (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/final-rule) - [final version (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/final-version) - [fiscal impact (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/fiscal-impact) - [flat rate (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/flat-rate) - [FOIA (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/foia) - [Fraud (10)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/fraud) - [GAO (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/gao) - [Gold Plans (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/gold-plans) - [Government shutdown (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/government-shutdown) - [Grandfathering (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/grandfathering) - [Group Practice Reporting Option (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/group-practice-reporting-option) - [GRPO (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/grpo) - [GT modifier (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/gt-modifier) - [Hardship (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hardship) - [hardship exemption (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hardship-exemption) - [Harkin (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/harkin) - [health and human services (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-and-human-services) - [Health care (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-care) - [health information exchange (22)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-information-exchange) - [Health Insurance (21)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Health Plan (21)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-plan) - [health plans (6)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-plans) - [health reform (30)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-reform) - [Health Savings Accounts (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-savings-accounts) - [health services (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/health-services) - [healthcare (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/healthcare) - [healthcare costs (14)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/healthcare-costs) - [healthcare history (6)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/healthcare-history) - [Healthcare.gov (27)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/healthcare-gov) - [Healthy Michigan Plan (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/healthy-michigan-plan) - [HHS (9)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hhs) - [high-deductible (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/high-deductible) - [HIPAA (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hipaa) - [HITECH (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hitech) - [home health care (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/home-health-care) - [Hospital (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hospital) - [hospital employment (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hospital-employment) - [Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hospital-insurance-trust-fund) - [Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hospital-value-based-purchasing-program) - [House Energy and Commerce Committee (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/house-energy-and-commerce-committee) - [House Ways and Means Committee (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/house-ways-and-means-committee) - [HSA (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/hsa) - [ICD-10 (24)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/icd-10) - [ICD-9 (8)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/icd-9) - [IFR (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ifr) - [IG Report (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/ig-report) - [improper payment (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/improper-payment) - [improper payments (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/improper-payments) - [improved cash flow (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/improved-cash-flow) - [improvement (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/improvement) - [Incentive payments (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/incentive-payments) - [incentives (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/incentives) - [Increase Medical Billing Revenue (5)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/increase-medical-billing-revenue) - [Individual Eligible Professional (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/individual-eligible-professional) - [Individual Eligible Professionals (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/individual-eligible-professionals) - [individual health insurance (16)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/individual-health-insurance) - [individual market (9)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/individual-market) - [Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/inpatient-rehabilitation-facilities) - [insurance (4)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [Insurance company (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/insurance-company) - [Interim Final Rule (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/interim-final-rule) - [IRS (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/irs) - [Kathleen Sebelius (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/kathleen-sebelius) - [kickbacks (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/kickbacks) - [King v Burwell (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/king-v-burwell) - [Laboratory (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/laboratory) - [listserv (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/listserv) - [local healthcare expenditures (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/local-healthcare-expenditures) - [lockbox (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/lockbox) - [MACRA (7)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/macra) - [MACRA, Fee for Service, Physician Pay (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/macra-fee-for-service-physician-pay) - [MACs (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/macs) - [March 31 (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/march-31) - [Meaningful Use (11)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/meaningful-use) - [Meaningful Use 2 (7)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/meaningful-use-2) - [Meaningful Use 3 (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/meaningful-use-3) - [Medicaid (8)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicaid) - [Medicaid expansion (6)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicaid-expansion) - [Medical Billing Companies (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-companies) - [medical billing compliance (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-compliance) - [Medical Billing Fraud (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-fraud) - [Medical Billing Services (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-services) - [medical necessity (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medical-necessity) - [medical practice (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medical-practice) - [Medicare (42)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare) - [Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (1)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare-access-and-chip-reauthorization-act) - [Medicare Advantage (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare-advantage) - [medicare cut (11)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare-cut) - [Medicare Data (3)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare-data) - [Medicare EHR Incentive Program (2)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare-ehr-incentive-program) - [Medicare fraud (5)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/blog/topic/medicare-fraud) - [Home](https://www.mbrbilling.com/) - [Why MBR?](https://www.mbrbilling.com/why-mbr/) - [Resource Center](https://www.mbrbilling.com/resource-center/) - [About MBR](https://www.mbrbilling.com/about-mbr/) - [Client Login](http://clientlogin.mbrbilling.com/) Connect with us! [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hubfs/MBR-Images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/MedBillResources) [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hubfs/MBR-Images/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/#!/MedBillResource) [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hubfs/MBR-Images/linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-billing-resources) [![](https://www.mbrbilling.com/hubfs/MBR-Images/rss.png)](https://www.mbrbilling.com/CMS/UI/Modules/BizBlogger/rss.aspx?tabid=484940&moduleid=1043750&maxcount=25&u=107101&t=BBE4D262E126601B3B04C3F46C38B13F) © 2012 Medical Billing Resources - All Rights Reserved 28237 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 100 | Farmington Hills, MI 48334 | Local: 248.932.2607 | Toll Free: 800-895-9563 | Fax: 248-932-2863