Catastrophic Coverage Code
This variable indicates whether the PDE occurred within the catastrophic benefit phase of the Medicare Part D benefit, according to the source PDE.
When the value equals C (above attachment point), then the PDE is in the catastrophic phase. When the value equals A (attachment point), the PDE has caused the beneficiary to move into the catastrophic phase (i.e., this is the "triggering" PDE).
This variable was required for all PDEs through the end of 2010, and became optional starting in 2011.
Note that the value may differ from the more detailed BENEFIT_PHASE variable, which is a CCW-derived field that is available for all years.
This variable is coded, and will contain one of the following values.
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
A |
Attachment point met on this event |
C |
Above attachment point |
Blank |
Attachment point not met |
Some additional information on this variable: