Fabian Ohore, Medicare Insurance Broker

How do I compare Part D plans to minimize costs for a mix of generic and specialty drugs?

Answer: If you take regular pills and a very expensive specialty drug, don’t just pick the plan with the lowest monthly premium. That cheap plan may often charge a large percentage of the specialty drug’s price every month — so you could pay thousands of dollars for it all year long. Instead, look for a plan that charges a low, flat copay (like $100) for your expensive drug, even if that plan’s monthly premium is higher. A flat copay is much easier on your wallet and helps you reach the stage where you pay very little much faster.

The right plan will usually have no deductible on your expensive drug, so coverage starts right away. It will also typically offer low or $0 copays for your generic medicines. Use Medicare.gov and enter your exact drugs and pharmacy. Don’t sort by lowest premium — sort by “lowest yearly drug + premium cost.” This shows you the real yearly price based on your medications.

Finally, if a drug company offers help paying your copay, ask your agent if that help counts toward your Medicare out-of-pocket limit. And remember — review your plan every fall during Open Enrollment, because drug prices, copays, and covered medicines can change each year. A good agent can walk you through this so you get the most savings without surprises.