On September 19th, 2024, EnlivenHealth hosted the second webinar in its Medicare Annual Enrollment Period series, titled “Don’t Delay, Engage: Proactive Patient Engagement Strategies for Medicare Open Enrollment.” This webinar was a panel discussion focused on patient engagement and outreach during AEP.
Hosted by EnlivenHealth’s Senior Manager of Customer Enablement Marvin Guardado, the webinar panel included:
- Brian Caswell, RPh, Owner & Pharmacist at Wolkar Drug
- Heather Johnson, CEO of S&S Drug
- Joe Williams, PharmD, Owner & Pharmacist at Brisson Drugs
During the hourlong conversation, the experts shared valuable insights that touched on key points like changes in Medicare, patient engagement strategies, the expanding role of pharmacists, and software tools for management.
Medicare Changes on the Horizon
One of the most prominent Medicare changes coming in 2025 is a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs on Part D prescriptions. This could lead to insurance carriers responding by tightening formularies and increasing premiums, as the panel suggested. They further discussed the 50-cent premium plan, which they stated was attractive last year but may not be viable in the coming year due to escalating premiums. The government’s premium stabilization program was explored along with the revelation that only a single carrier is expected to accept this program.
Proactive Engagement & Demographic Targeting
The speakers emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with patients. They shared their preferred media and strategies for engagement, echoing the importance of selecting a blend of social and print media. Some useful tips shared include using Facebook Live for education, exploring blast texts, and hanging banners outside pharmacies.
Specifically, the speakers highlighted certain patient segments that should be prioritized: high medication users, the diabetic population, and patients reliant on inhalers and other respiratory aids. Joe Williams mentioned that a member of his pharmacy team had recently become licensed as an insurance agent to better help their aging patients during this time of year.
Medicare Advantage Plans and PDP
Further discussion was held around Medicare Advantage plans and the Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) market. The speakers discussed how beneficial Medicare Advantage plans have been due to the additional benefits they provide when compared to PDPs. However, they also pointed out the resistance to shift older patients in long-term care to Medicare Advantage Plans due to regulations, requirements, and potential financial impacts.
Johnson also mentioned that in certain rural areas, like north central Kansas, Medicare Advantage plans might not provide as much value because patients would have a difficult time finding nearby hospitals or doctors in network. Dual-eligible patients and their unique needs were also covered, along with discussions about over-the-counter programs and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) plans that could aid medication adherence and boost patient loyalty.
Technology Tools and Efficiency
Toward the end of the webinar, the panel explored the impact technology — and specifically, Medicare plan comparison software — has on streamlining open enrollment for Medicare plans. Adopting software solutions like EnlivenHealth’s Medicare Match can greatly streamline operations, like it did in Johnson’s case where she managed to maintain a schedule of at least 30 patients a day at S&S Drug. With the right technology, pharmacists can not only can help manage workflow and marketing, but also influence patient relationships and promote cost savings.
Conclusion
“Don’t Delay, Engage: Proactive Patient Engagement Strategies for Medicare Open Enrollment” brought together a panel of pharmacy industry experts for a fascinating, insightful discussion on best practices for patient outreach during AEP. Brian Caswell, Heather Johnson, and Joe Williams all contributed exceptional ideas and strategies to help pharmacists navigate Medicare’s open enrollment period and better position their patients for success. To watch the webinar, click the button below:
To learn more about EnlivenHealth Medicare Match, schedule a consultation with a member of our team today!