Open enrollment is now upon us, and I have been asked by several retired Medicare eligible members if there is any change in the state prescription coverage for these retirees in calendar year 2021. The short answer is NO.
Legislation passed in 2019 will eventually move retirees out of the state’s prescription coverage plan to Medicare Part D. The key word is “eventually.” The timing of this implementation is based upon the State prevailing in the law suit of Fitch, et al vs State of Maryland. This law suit is still pending within the court system. Even if the suit is settled today, the earliest the State would be able to discontinue prescription drug coverage under the State’s plan would be January 1, 2022.
So during open enrollment, state Medicare eligible retirees can elect to continue their drug coverage under the State’s prescription plan. This coverage will begin on January 1, 2021 and will continue throughout the entire calendar year.