Understanding and choosing a Medicare Part D prescription plan can seem like a daunting task. With bureaucratic names like Part A, B, and D, and complicated lists and formularies (charts that outline insurance coverage), it's easy to get overwhelmed. But if you take the time to get familiar with Medicare, how it works, and what it covers, you'll be better prepared for choosing the right prescription plan for your needs.
The following is an introductory guide to choosing Part D plans, including information about eligibility requirements, medication coverage, and more.
Eligibility for Medicare Part D Prescription Plans
If you're eligible for Medicare Part A or Part B, then you're eligible for Medicare Part D. You do not have to be screened to be eligible, and joining Part D is completely voluntary. However, if you're eligible and don't join -- but wish to do so at a later date -- you'll pay a penalty. Note that usage of some parts of Medicare precludes usage of other parts, so explore all parts of Medicare before deciding which parts will best suit you.
General eligibility for Medicare begins when you're 65, but you can join three months before or after your 65th birthday. You can determine your eligibility and find out when coverage would start by visiting Medicare's website.
Current Medications and Current Coverage
If the drugs you take now are currently covered under your existing plan, or you don't take any prescription drugs, you should still consider a Medicare Part D prescription plan. In many cases Medicare will let you keep your existing prescription drug plan, or will offer you alternatives. As previously mentioned, if you decide to enroll at a later date, you may be penalized, so it pays to explore your eligibility for Part D even if you're currently covered or don't have any need.
Costs of Medicare Part D Prescription Plans
There are three primary costs associated with Part D coverage:
As noted, each of these payments can be offset if you qualify for extra assistance, visit the Medicare website to see if you are eligible for additional compensation.
The general goal when choosing a plan is to look for the plan that provides the overall lowest cost per year. To calculate the cost per year, you can approximate it by simply adding up your premiums, deductibles and co-payments for your drugs. Finally, add in the costs associated for purchasing drugs during any gap in coverage (see gap coverage below).
Gap Coverage
The first thing to understand when considering Part D is what is known as the "coverage gap." While the amounts change regularly to keep up with inflation and rising drug costs, the coverage gap begins once you've accrued $3,750 in covered drug costs (as of 2018). Once you've reached this limit, you'll pay no more than 35 percent of the plan's cost for brand-name medications (as long as they're covered). Medicare pays 56 percent of the cost of generic drugs (as of 2018).
Once you pass $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses (2018) -- meaning you're out of the coverage gap -- you move into what is known as "catastrophic coverage." Medicare will cover you again, typically resulting in you paying a nominal coinsurance amount or copayment for covered medications.
This coverage gap doesn't apply to low-income Medicare recipients.
What Your Part D Drug Plan Covers
Each Part D plan will have a list of different drugs that it covers in the plan's formulary. The formulary will let you know the name of the drug it covers (generic and brand-name), how much you would co-pay, and what limitations there are on that drug's coverage.
If the drug you need isn't on the list, you'll have to pay full price for that medication or use a similar drug that the plan covers. You can also apply to the plan for an exception to its coverage, but don't rely on this working out, it's better to start with a program that covers your existing medication.
Types of Plans
There are two basic types of Medicare Part D prescription plans, they are:
Which type of plan you choose will largely be based on the amount of money you can spend and the type of coverage you need.
Pick a Plan
Picking a plan can seem like a monumental task, but it really boils down to the basics. You should choose a plan based on:
Trying to Choose a Medicare Part D Prescription Plan? An Attorney Can Help
When choosing prescription coverage through Medicare, you'll want to take stock of your particular needs and means, such as monthly income and health conditions. But each situation is different and you may need help determining how the laws and regulations pertain to you. Reach out to a local, experienced health care law attorney today.
