10 | 30 | 2005 Posted By Jerry Kalish
print this article

Retiree Drug Subsidy Deadline "Extended"

With the Monday, October 31 deadline bearing down on employers who want to take advantage of the new Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) program in 2006, there have been the expected delays in responses from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) which administers the program and computer gliches.

However, in a conference call on Friday, October 28, CMS provided affected employers with the following assurances:

  • Employers who have started the application process will be able to continue past the October 31st deadline if necessary.
  • Because of long delays in connecting with the Call Center, CMS has established a temporary email address, rdsoutreach@vips.com, to answer questions or resolve issues with applicants.
  • Delays in getting log-in IDs will not prevent participation in the RDS program.

A recording of the conference call will be available until November 1 by calling (800) 642-1687 and entering the conference ID number: 1989724. Additional information can be found on the RDS Program website.