Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeLow impact
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2025
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Medicare is launching a new Prescription Payment Plan starting in 2025 that allows Part D beneficiaries to spread their out-of-pocket drug costs across the entire calendar year instead of paying large amounts upfront. All Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage must offer this voluntary payment option to members.
Action Required
By January 1, 2025: Front desk and billing staff should be aware that Medicare Part D members may be using the new prescription payment plan to spread drug costs throughout the year. No billing system changes required as this is a pharmacy benefit program, but staff should be prepared to answer patient questions about the voluntary payment option.