Our Make Medicare Work Summit this year focused on our education and outreach activities for professionals and consumers. We were very pleased to have over 150 advocates, providers, federal and state partners, and consumers attend the summit.

In the plenary session, we highlighted key policy issues that we have identified as a result of our outreach efforts over the past year. We also looked forward towards identification of the emerging policy issues of the next year with a call to action from consumers and advocates to get involved in meeting our advocacy goals.

In the coming year, we expect that we will be working on emerging federal and state policy issues including guidance, procedures and process for formulary exceptions; advocacy with pharmaceutical company Patient Assistance Programs to continue coverage for Medicare enrollees; expansion of coverage, lower cost-sharing and streamlining of processing for the Illinois Cares Rx program; and a uniform dual eligible benefit.

Please look at our e-letters for the latest news on our MMW Coalition efforts.