In 2006, the Medicare Part D program went into effect. This is the prescription drug benefit portion of Medicare aimed at helping senior citizens who need to take costly prescription medications. However, the process of choosing the right plan can be difficult. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wants to make sure that all people with Medicare understand this benefit.

Determine Your Coverage

Determine how you pay for your medications. Your Part D benefits depend on what you already have. Most people, according to Medicare.gov, fall into one of several categories. Original Medicare or Medicare with a supplement policy, called Medigap, without drug coverage is one way. Medicare Part D will cover half of your costs if this is what you currently have. If you have Medicare with supplemental drug coverage already, Medicare Part D may save you more money than what you currently pay. If you have a good retiree or union plan, that plan will continue, but with even more support from Part D. If you have an HMO or PPO that already covers your prescriptions, you may be able to switch from generics to brand name medications under Part D. If you have Medicare/Medicaid, you will automatically get comprehensive prescription drug coverage under Part D. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information, and if you have a current insurer, ask about how your current insurance will work with Medicare Part D.

Decide What Matters Most

Choose from among several plans. Look for what you will pay in premiums and deductibles and what kind of coverage you will get. Look to see which drugs are provided. You want to make sure the prescriptions you take are covered by the plan you select. Check to see if there is a limitation on pharmacies or if you can use a mail-order option if you choose. Medicare.gov has a "Landscape of Local Plans" section that will show you the plans available in your area to help you decide the right plan for you. You can also use the "Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder" to view your current plan and compare it with other plans that you may want to switch to during the annual enrollment period of November 15 to December 31.

Organizations

Traditionally, senior citizens have joined the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP) in order to find out valuable information on aging. AARP provides information on Medicare Part D. However, some senior citizens, who are looking for a more conservative organization, are canceling their AARP memberships and are signing on with the American Seniors Association (ASA) as an alternative, according to Fox News. Either organization can provide senior citizens with the necessary information they need to live healthier lives, including help on choosing the right prescription medication plan.

Source:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Medicare

Fox News: AARP Alternative

More Information:

Landscape of Local Plans

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder