On June 1, a new Medicare rule goes into effect. Most people won't even notice it in their 2015 Medicare book and will suddenly find out when it is too late. It covers prescriptions under Part D and durable medical equipment under part B.

The rule says that Medicare will NOT COVER any prescription for drugs or medical equipment unless the prescription is written by a doctor that PARTICIPATES in Medicare.

So if you see a doctor that doesn't take Medicare but is seeing you on a reduced fee or other arrangement, any prescription that doctor writes will NOT BE COVERED by Medicare Part B or D. If you are getting care at a university or local mental health center, your prescriptions will not be covered if that doctor does not participate in Medicare.

So now that you know about the new rule, you can plan ahead. It might mean you have to find a new pdoc but at least you will be ready. The worst case scenario is to not know the rule and show up at the pharmacy with prescriptions as usual. But then you are told Medicare won't pay for them. You have to pay all the costs yourself. What can you do then? Horrible scenario. I'm betting this will take a lot of seniors by surprise.

I have already written my congressman and representative protesting this new rule. I received form letters back that were about something totally different.

http://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaRel...014-05-19.html

Require that prescribers of Part D drugs enroll in Medicare: Section 6405 of the Affordable Care Act requires that physicians and eligible professionals who order durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) or certify home health care for beneficiaries be enrolled in Medicare. The statute also permits the Secretary to extend these Medicare enrollment requirements to physicians and eligible professionals who order or certify all other categories of Medicare items or services, including covered Part D drugs. Accordingly, CMS will require that physicians and eligible professionals who write prescriptions for covered Part D drugs must be enrolled in Medicare, or have a valid record of opting out of Medicare for their prescriptions to be covered under Part D. This requirement will help CMS ensure that Part D drugs are only prescribed by qualified individuals. This provision is effective June 1, 2015.