Pharmacists encountering problems with filling Part D prescriptions

The actual implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit is proving to be just as difficult as anticipated. Pharmacists have already begun reporting problems with verifying patient eligibility. People who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid were among the hardest hit - these are the poorest Medicare beneficiaries, and the least likely to be able to pay for their medications out-of-pocket if computer or clerical errors prevented pharmacists from being able to verify their eligibility for coverage.

Despite the problems encountered, many pharmacists are hopeful that the situation will improve with time.