Sourced from Aetna/Think Agent Email Communication from 10/13/2022:

Introducing more tools for you this AEP!

On 10/15, we have one fantastic delivery we’d like to share with you – NEW! Profile & PURL.

For those interested, we’re delivering the following new features this AEP & including the below training to help you learn how they work!

Profile – You may have already found the “Profile” button in Think Agent and found it to be inactive. Well, we’ve been hard at work developing this cool new feature to share with you; and we’re excited to announce it’s ready!

• The Profile is customizable, allows you to change and update your contact information (does not affect other Aetna sites), link social media, add a profile picture and create an ‘About Me’ description of yourself.
• What’s especially neat is your contact information will now pre-populate in forms such as the SOA, eKit and enrollment. Test it out for yourself
• Even more, these items will also appear on your PURL for prospects to see!

PURL – Never heard of such a thing? PURL stands for Personalized URL and it’s a unique feature of Think Agent you’re going to like!

• The PURL comes linked to your Think Agent Profile and access is granted automatically.
• Copy & share your PURL address on your social media, MMS flyers, business cards, etc. for prospects and clients to access.
• From your PURL site, your Profile information will display; as well as an option for prospective Medicare clients to shop for Aetna Medicare plans in their area, or request a free quote about products in which they are interested from you!*
• If a client shops for plans from your PURL, they may enroll themselves by choosing “Enroll Now” on a plan in their geography, and you’ll be their AOR!

*An email notification will be sent directly to you from communication@email.thinkagent.com only when the ‘Free Quote’ feature is used on your PURL, and the prospect has indicated they wish to learn about products where you are currently RTS (based upon state).

To learn more about these exciting new features of Think Agent, please see our trainings here:

• Profile & PURL Training Video
• PURL Do’s & Don’ts Guide

Sourced from Aetna’s Medicare Solutions Broker Email from 9/30/2022:

President Biden’s signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) marks the beginning of implementing many years of substantial change to the Medicare Part B and Part D programs.

The two most imminent changes, which take effect January 1, 2023, include:
• Limiting the member cost-share of covered insulins to $35
• Introducing $0 member cost-sharing on Part D vaccines

We’re updating materials to convey this information to members. Members will receive information by mail, and information will also be available in enrollment kits and on our website. In addition, we’re working to operationalize these changes by January 1, 2023, as required.

Please use the information below to help answer your clients’ questions this AEP.

How does the IRA impact 2023 Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)?

It limits the member cost-share on covered insulins to $35. 

• This means members won’t pay more than $35 for a one-month supply of each insulin product covered by their plan, no matter what cost-sharing tier it’s on, even if their plan has a deductible that hasn’t been met.
• While some members already benefit from plans that offer $35 insulin, this legislation ensures that all seniors who use insulin benefit from this out-of-pocket cost limit.
• Members receiving LIS will continue to pay the CMS statutory maximum cost share for insulin, which is less than $35.
• In Florida, some 2023 Aetna MAPD plans will offer select insulins for a $0 cost share at preferred pharmacies and a $20 copay at standard pharmacies. On these plans, other covered insulins will be available for the $35 IRA copay.
• In addition, the 2023 SmartSaver PDP (which is non-commissionable for new sales), available in all 50 states, offers covered insulin for a $10 copay at preferred pharmacies and a $20 copay at standard pharmacies.

It eliminates member costs and improves access for Part D vaccines.

Our 2023 plans will cover most Part D vaccines for a $0 cost share, even if a plan has a deductible that hasn’t been met.

What information will members receive?

Member materials are being updated in accordance with CMS guidance to ensure members are properly informed of the changes.

How will insulin and vaccine benefits be displayed on Medicare Plan Finder?

Beginning October 1, the Medicare Plan Finder site (www.medicare.gov) will reflect Part D sponsors’ insulin and vaccine benefits and cost sharing as they were submitted in their 2023 bid and formulary submissions, prior to IRA being enacted. However, new insulin and vaccine drug footnotes and other help features will be displayed to explain the benefit changes resulting from the IRA.

Because of this, CMS is granting a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Exceptional Circumstances to allow beneficiaries to add, drop, or change their Part D coverage if they find a better option after the 2022 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and through the end of 2023. This SEP will be available for all beneficiaries who use a covered insulin product and begins on December 8th, 2022, and ends on December 31, 2023. Beneficiaries may use this SEP one time during this period. To utilize this SEP, beneficiaries must call 1-800-MEDICARE so a customer service representative can process the enrollment change; they cannot use a broker for this SEP. Consistent with current policy, when Part D enrollees change plans mid-year, their True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) costs carry over from one plan to the next.

What’s coming in 2024?

Additional IRA requirements that will be implemented in 2024 include:
• $0 cost sharing in the catastrophic phase for Part D
• Expansion of the low-income subsidy eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty line

What additional impacts will IRA have in the future? 

Additional IRA requirements will be implemented annually through 2029. We’ll share more information as we approach those implementation dates.