News Releases for October 2005
October 28, 2005
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven: North Dakota Hits Milestone In Medicare Part D Implementation
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), North Dakota is the first state to reach a critical goal in the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D), maintaining an eligibility data file that is error free.
“We are committed to ensuring that Medicare and Medicaid recipients in our state get the prescription drug coverage they need under this new program,” Hoeven said. “This milestone in the implementation process shows that we are working hard to make sure the continuity of drug coverage is maintained for all recipients.”
Beginning January 1, 2006, more than 100,000 North Dakotans who qualify for Medicare can receive their prescription drugs through this new federal program. Of those individuals, about 10,300 also participate in Medicaid. State and federal officials have been working for months to reconcile their data files to assure that these “dually eligible” individuals have continuity of drug coverage when Medicare assumes the responsibility of paying for their prescription drugs.
According to Hoeven, most states are having difficulties reconciling their databases, with a national average error rate of 3 percent. North Dakota has been error free for two months and has been working with CMS to share information that might help other states.
Department of Human Services Executive Director Carol K. Olson said, “This is an important milestone that helps assure the continuity of prescription drug coverage for Medicaid clients and further highlights the efforts of the department’s staff to make sure clients receive the services they need.”
Medicare is the federal health coverage program that serves people age 65 and older or those with qualifying disabilities. Medicaid is a state and federally funded health coverage program for low-income individuals.
E-mail comments to the Governor
