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Medicare Part D Plans

Medicare Part D Plans- Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare started offering insurance coverage for prescription drugs through Medicare prescriptions drug plans or Medicare Part D Plans and other health plan options. Medicare’s prescription drug coverage will typically pay over half of your drug costs, for a monthly premium. It will also provide peace of mind because it protects you once your out-of-pocket drug spending is more than $4,550 in 2011.

Important points you need to know:

  • Medicare prescription drug coverage helps you pay for the prescriptions you need.
  • Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to all people with Medicare.
  • There is additional help for those who need it most.
  • Medicare prescription drug coverage pays for brand name as well as generic drugs.

 

Your Medicare Part D Plans Coverage Basic Information

What are Medicare Part D Plans?

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs or from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future.

Who can get Medicare Part D Coverage (prescription drug coverage)?

Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources,health status, or current prescription expenses.

When can I get Medicare prescription drug coverage?

You may sign up when you first become eligible for Medicare (three months before the month you turn age 65 until three months after you turn age 65). If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join from three months before to three months after your 25th month of cash disability payments. If you don’t sign up when you are first eligible, you may pay a penalty. If you didn’t join when you were first eligible, your next opportunity to enroll will be from November 15 to December 31.

How does Medicare Part D Plans (prescription drug coverage) work?

Your decision about Medicare prescription drug coverage depends on the kind of health care coverage you have now. There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan or you can join Medicare Advantage Plans or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage.
Whatever plan you choose, Medicare drug coverage will help you by covering brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies that are convenient for you.

Like other insurance, if you join, generally you will pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescription, including a copayment or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting socialsecurity.gov.

Why should I get Medicare Part D Coverage?

Medicare prescription drug coverage provides greater peace of mind by protecting you from unexpected drug expenses. Even if you don’t use a lot of prescription drugs now, you should still consider joining. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. For most people, joining now means protection from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future.

What if I have a limited income and resources?

There is extra help for people with limited income and resources. Almost 1 in 3 people with Medicare will qualify for extra help. If you qualify for extra help, Medicare will pay for almost all of your prescription drug costs. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting socialsecurity.gov.

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