Medicare Part D and Prescription Coverage: What Seniors Need to Know about Medicare Drug Plans
- Author Alfred Winston
- Published May 20, 2010
- Word count 476
Are you eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B and wondering if you should enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), even though you don’t take a lot of prescription drugs? It depends on who you ask, but most experts would tell you to enroll regardless, because if you don’t join when you are first eligible, you may pay an enrollment penalty later on.
"The good news is that older Americans have dozens of Medicare drug plans to choose from, so finding the right coverage is just a matter of choosing the right premiums, co-pays and deductibles," said Alan Weinstock of http://www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com, which offers those 65 and older assistance in finding the right Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap insurance.
Two Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Plans
There are two types of prescription plans. First, there is the stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (referred to as PDP), which may be added to original Medicare, certain Medicare cost plans, some Medicare private fee-for-service plans and to Medicare medical savings account plans.
Then there is the Medicare prescription drug coverage that can be included as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide Part A, Part B and Part D.
You can join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible or during open enrollment each year (between November 15 and December 31). You can do it at anytime if you qualify for the Extra Help, or low-income subsidy program.
Choosing the Right Medicare Part D Plan for the Right Price
Medicare Part D has long been the subject of debate because of the difficulty that many seniors have in selecting the best-suited and most economical option for them. "I remember there was a survey done last year, where the majority of adults believed that Medicare Part D is too difficult to understand and they support some form of simplification," Alan Weinstock said.
Deciding on the best prescription drug plan for you will depend on three things: cost, coverage and convenience. You can choose a plan based on the premiums, deductibles and cost of your drugs. Or you can choose a plan based on which drugs are covered and the rules on how to access those medications, such as with prior authorization. Finally, you can choose a plan based on which pharmacies are part of the plan or whether there is a mail order option. For further assistance on choosing the right plan for the right price, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website and click on "Compare Drug Plans."
"What seniors need to keep in mind is that there are a wide number of sources that can answer questions and provide information on Medicare and Medicare Part D as well as Medigap inurance.
Medicare supplemental insurance plan is a private health insurance that offer dozens of additional features to Medicare. Medicare supplemental plans is specially designed to pay some of the health care costs that Medicare doesn't.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Fighting the Silent Epidemic: Safeguard Your Child's Future with Vitamin D Screening at KinderCure | Dr. Garima Mengi
- Enhancing Child Health with Mindfulness: Insights from KinderCure’s Dr. Garima Mengi
- The Best Nail Scissors for Different Needs
- Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth Dallas Is The New #1 Paradigm Pain Manager
- Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth - Endogenous Pain Management
- Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth - Treatment Six
- Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth- Treatment 5
- Post-COVID Booster Breastfeeding: Essential for Transferring Protective Antibodies to Babies, Bolstering Infant Health
- Humeral shaft fractures: Clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment.
- How Much Stress Is Too Much Stress? The Ayurvedic Perspective
- A New Era of Personalized Healthcare
- Staying Safe with Medications at Home
- Overmedicating Youth in Care: Change is Needed
- Evolution of Healing: Uncovering the Secrets of the Body from Shamanism to Modern Anatomy
- Home Health Care in North Bellmore
- Unlocking Healthier Futures: Iron Nutrition for Children at KinderCure
- The Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Detox
- Top 7 Latest List of Medical Billing Companies in the USA
- Managing Lactose Intolerance in Children: Expert Guide by KinderCure
- Research-Based Medical Thesis Are Becoming More Important in Chicago to Advance Healthcare
- Revolutionizing Medicine: Breakthroughs in Innovative Diagnostic Technologies
- Childhood Anxiety: Navigating Challenges with KinderCure's Expert Guidance
- Strengthening Your Child’s Immunity Naturally: Proven Tips from KinderCure Clinic
- Colic in Babies: Essential Guide for Parents by Experts at KinderCure
- Playtime Revolution: KinderCure's Guide to Boosting Child Development Through Play
- Colic Relief for Infants: Expert Parenting Tips from KinderCure Clinic, Gurgaon
- Combating Childhood Obesity in India: Strategies and Success Stories from KinderCure Clinic, Gurgaon
- Understanding the Importance of Early Childhood Nutrition: Insights from KinderCure
- Diaper Rash: Prevention, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor
- Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain and Nerve Pain Syndromes