Medicare Part D

If you are 65 then it's time to review your Part D drug plan. (If you are presently in my Computing for Seniors class, you can stop reading now because we've already reviewed this together).  

I still talk with people who have not reviewed their Part D plan since originally signing up for it.  Do yourself a favor and take time annually to review your plan: either online, make an appointment with your pharmacist, talk with your Extension Office or watch for other local agencies to offer the service.    
All entities reviewing drug plans use the same website to evaluate the available plans in your state: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?lang=en  You can also do it yourself: sign in or use the website without logging in.  The advantage of logging in to your Medicare account is that all of your present medications will automatically be on your list.

Whether or not your medications have changed, you still need to evaluate the plans and select the best one for you before December 7.  Drug plans, drug tiers, and premiums change annually.  The same drug can be on different tiers in different plans thus changing its cost. Don't just assume that what you are presently enrolled in is the best plan for you next year.  

For example:  I have been on the "Humana WalMart Rx" plan for the past two years.  That plan will no longer be available in 2020.  If I do nothing, I will automatically be enrolled in the "Humana Premiere" plan which will more than double my premium cost next year and cost much more than if I enroll myself in the new "Humana Value" plan.  If I choose this plan, my premium will be $10 less per month.  The increased cost of my two meds on this plan will be more than offset by the decrease in premium.  

The other thing I am noticing is that a mail-order prescription for 90 days will cost more than if I get it at a local pharmacy.  This is a big change for me.  I've noticed this to be true in several different companies, so if you are in the habit of doing mail order, it might be wise to check with your local pharmacy (which you can do online in the comparison section) to determine which is the cheapest method of obtaining your drugs.

All of this can be overwhelming at first, but the more you access the website, the more comfortable you will be with it.  Don't be afraid to play around with it. I've made a screencast to show you how to navigate the website: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cq63eTu5bT

If you aren't interested in using the website, then make an appointment now with your pharmacist or local agency offering this service. Following the appointment, try using the Medicare website just to see if you come up with the same recommendation.

One last tip: Unless you are in an urban setting, Medicare Advantage plans (which can include your drugs) are usually not beneficial because you are restricted to doctors in select networks.

So, feel empowered; you can do this!  Visit medicare.gov soon and give it a try!  Please share with me if you learn additional information during this process.

Jeline