Effective with the implementation of Medicare Part D on January 1, 2006 recipients of both Medicare and MA who are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan will not receive prescription drug coverage through MA. Individuals will choose the Medicare Part D plan most benefiting their own prescription needs. If the individual chooses a prescription plan at or below the national average, also referred to as the “benchmark” then the individual will not pay the premium. If the individual chooses a plan with a premium above the “benchmark” the individual will be responsible to pay the difference. In Pennsylvania, the 2013 “benchmark” is $36.57
Updated February 19, 2013, Replacing May 1, 2012