Is there anything a Plan Sponsor can do to prepare for and reduce the impact of Medicare Part D's Open Enrollment Period (OEP) when setting up a new RDS application?

Yes. It is important for Plan Sponsors to understand the impact of Medicare Part D's Open Enrollment Period (OEP), not only when submitting a new application in the RDS Program, but also the impact throughout the plan year. Plan Sponsors are required to educate their retirees and provide them a Notice of Creditable Coverage. Throughout the year, a Plan Sponsor needs to establish their Qualifying Covered Retirees, as well as monitor and manage their Covered Retiree List (CRL).

For more information on the OEP's impact on a Plan Sponsor's application, refer to the Technical Article on the RDS Program Website entitled Preparing for Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period.