Basic Introduction of Medicare: What Pharmacy Personnel Need to Know

The C.A.R.E.S. continuing education programs are designed for Alabama pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide an overview of Medicare and the roles of the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) with the primary goal to help pharmacists and pharmacy staff effectively and efficiently assist Medicare beneficiaries. All of our CE programs are funded by the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) and the U.S. Administration for Community Living. They are made available to pharmacists and technicians in Alabama at no cost. The programs are developed by Dr. Salisa Westrick, Professor of Health Outcomes Research and Policy in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Senior Services. 

This paper CE program provides an overview of the basics of Medicare including all four parts of Medicare, Medigap policies, late enrollment penalty, and quality measures for Part D plans. The CE program will also discuss the need to evaluate the plans annually.

If you are interested in learning more and/or joining the C.A.R.E.S. Pharmacy Network, you can complete the three ACPE approved one-credit-hour each CE articles or the three hour video training program (3 CE credits) that is available free online. After at least one full-time pharmacist from your pharmacy has completed the 3 CE credits training you can be enrolled in the C.A.R.E.S. Pharmacy Network at no cost and will receive a referral kit to help you identify and refer Medicare patients who may benefit from community programs to a local agency.

If you are interested or want more information about either CE program, please visit https://www.alpharmacycares.org/

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAP0058, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

 

Target Audience

This knowledge based program in intended for Pharmacists (ACPE) and Pharmacy Technicians (ACPE). 

 

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the Medicare Program and enrollment process including the late enrollment penalty
  2. Describe the purpose of Medigap and identify what Medigap may cover
  3. Discuss how the quality of Medicare Part D plans is measured
  4. Discuss the need for yearly plan evaluation for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
  • 1.00 ACPE Technician
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
Course opens: 
07/03/2023
Course expires: 
09/11/2026
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
5

PDF icon BASIC INTRODUCTION OF MEDICARE WHAT PHARMACY PERSONNEL NEED TO KNOW Program Packet.pdf

This is a paper continuing education program. The material document is located within the course content. Once you have registered for the course, please navigate to the 'Take Course' tab and click the navy blue 'Take Course' button. Navigate to the 'Course Materials' section of the course using the left-hand menu and download a PDF version.

Salisa C Westrick, BS Pharm, PhD, FAPhA is a Sterling Professor and Department Head of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University.

Education:
B.S., Pharmacy - Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), 1997
M.S., Training and Development - Illinois State, 2000
Ph.D., Social and Administrative Sciences in Pharmacy - Wisconsin, 2004

Her first research goal is to improve the quality of health care and patient health outcomes through promoting the uptake of evidence-based innovations. She has used organization theories and implementation science principles to guide her research. She has studied the adoption, implementation and evaluation of various types of healthcare innovations. Her second research goal is to increase access to care among older adults, especially those with limited income. Her work has assisted seniors in making Part D plan selection decisions and enrolled them in subsidy programs.

She has partnered with multiple community agencies and national associations to execute her research programs including Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, National Community Pharmacists Association, and American Pharmacists Association. Her work has received funding from various agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama Department of Senior Services, Alabama Department of Public Health, and Pharmaceutical Companies.

PDF icon CV Westrick.pdf

Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide. The Universal Activity Number for this knowledge-based program is 0001-9999-23-041-H04-P/T and is intended for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.  The initial release date for this home-study program is September 11, 2023 and the intended expiration date is September 11, 2026.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.
  • 1.00 ACPE Technician
    Auburn University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education; credits are recognized nationwide.

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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