Session from the 2009 CCA Annual Meeting
47 - Is Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) the Best Approach for Employers - or - RDS Alternatives?
11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Health - Retiree Medical
Credits:
CPD 1.50
Historically, the primary value of employer sponsored retiree health plans for Medicare eligibles resided in the prescription drug benefit. However, the retiree health care environment changed considerably with the launch of Medicare Part D in 2006. Many employers elected to remain the primary payer of prescription drug benefits for their Medicare eligible retirees and to apply for federal subsidies under the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) program. Now in the fourth RDS year and in challenging economic times, many employers are revisiting their decision to elect RDS and examining ever evolving options to sponsorship and delivery of health benefits for Medicare eligibles, particularly benefits where the employer subsidy is capped. The speakers during this session review employer alternatives to RDS from the consulting and Prescription Benefit Management points of view. In doing so, we may identify what actions employers are taking and the drivers behind that decision.
Speakers:
1.
Trevis G. Parson
- Towers Watson
2.
Briton Pim
- Express Scripts Insurance Co.
3.
Edward M. Pudlowski
- Buck Consultants, a Xerox Company
