Confused about Medicare Part D? Below is a list of continuing education programs available to help demystify the Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage programs.

Please note: These programs are intended for pharmacists and their staff and are not suitable for use in educating Medicare beneficiaries. Membership with Pharmacist e-Link is required to view the CE programs. Click here to join.

Helping Your Medicare Patients: What Pharmacists Need to Know

Community pharmacists often become the "go-to" resource for patients needing help selecting a Medicare plan. With 7,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 each day, there is a huge opportunity for pharmacists to become a huge resource for their Medicare-eligible patients and their local community, but changing Medicare policies and plan designs can make staying current difficult, especially for busy pharmacists.

We'll distill Medicare into the essential points that pharmacists need to know to be able to answer patients' questions. Hear from patient advocates who can explain Medicare in easy-to-understand terms that you can pass along to your patients, and find out what questions your patients should be asking when evaluating their plan options. Plus, find out what programs are available to patients who qualify for extra assistance with their rising prescription drug costs and what you as a provider need to be aware of to avoid violating CMS' strict provider marketing guidelines.

Released: April 23, 2010
Expires: April 23, 2013

Medicare Advantage: Hype or Hope for Community Pharmacy?

It is no secret that plan participation and enrollment in Medicare managed care programs has fluctuated over the past 30 years. However, now with one in five Medicare patients now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it's more than just hype and fancy marketing. And with three years of experience behind us, Medicare is already looking beyond PDPs as the solution for its long-term sustainability. Unlike PDPs that face constant pressure to reduce drug spend, often by cutting pharmacy reimbursement, MAPDs have a built-in incentive to manage the total health of the patient. It is imperative that pharmacy is ready to embrace this new benefit model. It's important for pharmacists to understand the real, tangible benefits of Medicare Advantage—both to their patients and their pharmacy. Find out what pharmacies can be doing to ensure a solid position in the Medicare Advantage market, what questions to ask when contracting with Medicare Advantage plans, and what role pharmacists can play in this managed care model.

Released: February 23, 2009
Expires: February 23, 2012

Opportunities in Medicare Part D: A Fresh Look at Medicare Advantage Plans

In the past, Medicare Advantage plans (MA) have been viewed as a potential threat to pharmacy providers, especially in the presence of exclusive networks. There is no denying that the market is moving toward MA plans, and the challenge for community pharmacy is to find its place in the equation. A real opportunity exists in the MA environment for pharmacists looking to partner with managed care plans for whom pharmacist-provided MTM is valued, generic utilization is encouraged, and incentives are aligned. Plans are seeking pharmacist partners to utilize their unique skills to keep patients healthy. This program will examine MA plans and discuss potential outreach opportunities for pharmacists to work with plans and improve the health outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries.

Released: February 29, 2008
Expires: February 28, 2011