(1) APhA ASP encourages other professional organizations to partner with APhA-ASP chapters to develop and implement Medicare Part D information and sign up sessions to be held annually between November 15th and December 15th of each year.

R2 PRT: Medicare Part D Day - Wording/action:
(1) APhA ASP encourages other professional organizations to partner with APhA-ASP chapters to develop and implement Medicare Part D information and sign up sessions to be held annually between November 15th and December 15th of each year.

Reasons for the Action(s) / Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Medicare Part D is a very important program for the growing elderly population. The number of elderly patients per year that require assistance in applying for coverage is growing each year as the baby-boomer generation ages. Despite growing coverage of the program, changes to basic premiums, coverage, gaps and brand-generic substitutions are not readily understood by many elderly patients who either lack access or understanding of computers to use www.medicare.gov. Average wait times for phone access to 1-800-medicare during open enrollment can range to tens of minutes and cause undue frustration to the inquirers.
Schools of pharmacy, specifically local ASP chapters are in an unique situation to help the elderly understand the importance of Medicare Part D as an integral part of their healthcare. We have access to computers and documentation that are sometimes hard to understand for the applicants.
ASP should encourage all chapters to set aside time to educate the patient population of the importance of this program and also take the opportunity to educate patients on extended aspects of Medicare Part D such as MTMs programs that pharmacists can play an important role in.

Cons:
Implementation of this program will take dedication and understanding in chapter members, education sessions that will take time away from other projects and events.

Jeff Fu ; 919-264-4291 ; jfu@su.edu ; Shenandoah University