SHICK History & Background

In March 1994, SHICK began the Prescription Drug Program (PDP) to help individuals apply to drug manufacturers for free or low cost prescriptions. The Kansas Legislature enacted the Kansas Senior Pharmacy Assistance Program (KSPAP) in 2001 that was available to individuals receiving Medicare Savings Program benefits administered by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS).

Congress passed the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 to create Medicare Part D, Medicare’s prescription drug insurance program. Administration for SHICK was transferred from the Kansas Insurance Commissioner to the Kansas Department on Aging. The Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D was Nov. 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006. As Medicare Part D rolled out, KSPAP was discontinued.

The Annual Coordinated Election Period, a time designated for joining, switching, or dropping plans began in 2006 from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 renamed the period as the Open Enrollment Period and changed the dates to Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 beginning in fall 2011.