Q. What’s the best way to compare perscription drug plans? How do I find out what the drug options are for Maine plans? Thanks, Lynn.
A. Hi, To help answer your question I spoke with a colleague of mine, Carol Irwin an Independent Insurance Agent from Senior Healthcare Coverage Options and she said, “The best way to search your Drug Plan options is to go to Medicare.gov. Once you are on Medicare’s Website you will want to be on the Home Page. Click “Health & Drug Plans” on the left, and then click “Compare Drug and Health Plans.” This will take you to the Medicare Plan Finder. Enter your Zip Code and click “Find Plans.” Complete Step 1 by answering two questions and click “Continue to Plan Results.” Step 2 allows you to enter your Drugs. Be sure to include all your Prescriptions!
PLEASE NOTE: once you have entered your first drug to the right you will be given a “Drug List ID” and a “Password Date.” You will want to record this in order to return to your personalized drug list in the future. This you would enter during Step 2 when returning to your list.
Once you have entered all your drugs click “My Drug List is Complete.” Step 3 allows you to Select Your Pharmacy then click “Continue to Plan Results.” Step 4, click “Continue to Plan Results.” Scroll down to “Prescription Drug Plans.” The plans will be sorted by “Lowest Estimated Drug Cost.” You may compare up to 3 Drug Plans at a time by checking the box next to the plan you would like to compare. Next, scroll down and click “Compare Plans.” This will provide you with a side-by-side comparison. Clicking on an individual plan at this point will then break down the cost of each drug based on that particular plan. You will also be given a number that helps you to enroll or you can enroll on-line.
Because these plans change annually and because your prescriptions may change as well, I recommend that this process be done on an annual basis.
The Annual Enrollment Period for Part D has ended therefore for most the window to pick up or change Part D coverage for 2011 has closed. However if someone is new to Medicare, qualifies for Extra Help, moves out of the plan’s service area, loses creditable prescription drug coverage, or lives in an institution that person may still be able to join, switch, or drop a Medicare drug plan.
Thanks Carol!
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging also commented that they hold Medicare seminars and you can make an appointment with one of their resource specialists if you have specific questions. If you would like to contact the Southern Maine Agency on Aging check out their profile here.