Federal law requires us to tell you that your HMSA drug plan is a creditable drug plan. This is especially important if you’re eligible for Medicare since creditable drug coverage affects your drug options and costs. Here are answers to common questions about creditable drug coverage, its importance, why you received a letter from HMSA, and what it means for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s creditable drug coverage?

Creditable drug coverage is prescription drug coverage that meets Medicare’s minimum standards of paying, on average, at least as much as Medicare’s standard prescription drug coverage.

Why is creditable drug coverage important?

If you have Medicare or are eligible for Medicare, please keep the creditable drug coverage notice for your records. If you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice to show that you have creditable coverage. This could help you avoid paying a penalty.

Who determines if my drug coverage is creditable?

HMSA evaluates the prescription drug coverage each year, comparing it to standard Medicare Part D and using guidelines from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to determine creditable coverage.

How will I know if my coverage is creditable?

We’ll notify you annually to let you know if your prescription drug coverage is creditable. We’ll send you a written notice before Oct. 15, the beginning of the Medicare Part D annual enrollment period. Save this notice just in case you need it to enroll in Medicare later.

How will I receive the creditable coverage notice?

We’ll mail you the notice each year. Please watch for the notice in the mail and keep it for your records.

Do I need to keep the cover letter and the notice?

Yes. Both the cover letter and the notice are required to verify creditable coverage for Medicare. Please keep both for your records.

Why didn’t my spouse also get a letter and notice?

We only send letters and notices to subscribers. If your spouse is covered under your plan, please keep your cover letter and notice along with your HMSA membership card for Medicare enrollment purposes.