Each year from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, is the designated open enrollment period for Medicare’s “Part D” prescription drug plans. Since everything about these drug plans can change from one year to the next, it is important for seniors to comparative shop annually for the best deal and the best coverage for their own personal prescription needs.
The first thing to do is to make a list of the names of the drugs you currently take and note the dosages. With this information, go on-line to the Medicare Prescription Drug Finder tool @ www.medicare.gov/mpdpf
Click on the “Find and Compare Plans,” and enter your personal information, zip code, your prescription drugs and dosages. You will get a cost estimate for each plan available in the area where you live. You will also get a customer service satisfaction rating for each of the plans.
However, before you switch plans, be sure you check the following:
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Check to be sure the pharmacy you use is part of the plan’s network.
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Check to see if the plan requires you to try cheaper drugs first.
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Check to see if the plan covers drugs in the coverage gap, or doughnut hole.
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Check total cost because low-premium plans may have higher co-pays for prescriptions.
If you do not have access to the internet to do your drug plan comparison shopping, then you can also call Medicare @ 800-633-4227, and they will compare plans for you. The Medicare Rights Center also has counselors to help you @ 800-333-4114. Or, you can call your local Area Agency or Council on Aging. To find an Agency on Aging near you, call 800-677-1116.
Individuals with income of less than $15,600 and married couples with income of less than $21,000 may be eligible for extra help to pay for Medicare drug coverage. Call Social Security @ 800-772-1213 for more information.
Gloria T. Nye, PhD
St. Landry Parish Extension Agent
LSU AgCenter
337-948-0561
Gnye@agcenter.lsu.edu
www.lsuagcenter.com