Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
42 CFR Parts 417, 422, and 423
[CMS-4144-F]
RIN 0938-AQ00
Medicare Program; Changes to the Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Prescription
Drug Benefit Programs for Contract Year 2012 and Other Changes

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This final rule makes revisions to the Medicare Advantage (MA) program (Part C) and Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D) to implement provisions specified in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively referred to as the Affordable Care Act) (ACA) and make other changes to the regulations based on our experience in the administration of the Part C and Part D programs. These latter revisions clarify various program participation requirements; make changes to strengthen beneficiary protections; strengthen our ability to identify strong applicants for Part C and Part D program participation and remove consistently poor performers; and make other clarifications and technical changes.

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“The medpacs keep our medication carts neat and more organized, which makes the medication pass more efficient. This results in increased time that can be spent with each resident during the medication pass process.”
— Linda I. Director of Nursing
“Grane Rx made the transition process very smooth. Their teams enthusiasm and positive approach with our staff was extremely beneficial to ensuring a positive outcome.”
— Greg H. Administrator
“Education and in servicing provided prior to the start date and the availability of the Grane Rx transition team provided on the day of transition prior to every shift was really helpful for our staff.”
— Jane B. Director of Nursing
“Medpacs have significantly reduced the amount of stock on hand as compared to when we were using blister packs.”
— Linda I. Director of Nursing
“The biggest benefit of the medpacs was the elimination of wasted medications compared to bingo cards.”
— Greg H. Administrator