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

Question

Michelle Sparks · Accepted Answer

You can always reach out to a professional broker for help in comparing Part D plans. Or, you can go directly to Medicare.gov and click on Health and Drug Plans in the upper right hand corner of the homepage. Then click on compare health and drug plans and enter your zip code. It will allow you to enter all of your prescriptions drugs and compare all available plans in your zip code. The comparison will also show what your monthly costs will be for each prescription. Don't hesitate to call for additional help!

Answered by Michelle Sparks on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in KS & MO

Answered by Michelle Sparks Medicare Insurance Agent

Tom Rogala · Answer

Complete my survey including drug list and dosge.  I can shop all drug plans by total cost 
(premium, deductible and copays)

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Since about two years ago, the investigations of Part D(rug) plans have become much more complicated. There are various ways to decide which plan(s) to choose from. Here they are:

A) When you or your agent go to the medicare.gov website in the area of drug & health plans, you will input the name, dosage (use the drop-down menus) & frequency of each drug that was prescribed to you. However, please bear in mind that Brand Name drugs (every single TV advertisement is for a "B.N." drug) are very expensive. So, in the compilation of your drug list, you might not include the B.N. drugs. See below.

B) Once your list is completed, since the website previously asked for your zip code, you'll then pick your 4 favorite local pharmacies along with the default on the Mail Order division. Once all 5 are chosen, click the button & print out the 2 pages of comparisons between the top three plans in your area. Do NOT pick a plan with less than 3 stars beneath its name. Note that the print-out shows your 3 plans & each show the copay cost for every drug entered by the month & by the year.

C) This comparison yields your best choice. The plan could have no monthly cost at all or it could show a small premium. Be sure you decide not only based on the monthly premium but on the overall annual copay costs for all of your prescriptions.

D) With Brand Name drugs, there is an alternative. That is, the option lies in going to both the US & Canadian discount online websites. There are many including www.goodRx.com, www.costplusdrugs.com, Canadian Medstore, pharmacychecker.com, simplecare.com, etc. Please be advised that the Medicare rules state that you will not pay more than $2,000.00 per year for ALL of your prescribed drugs. However, the big caveat is that by purchasing from Canada, those costs will NOT be added to the max out-of-pocket of $2,000.00, I'm sorry to say. So, you must do the math in deciding if it pays to buy via the cheaper Canadian costs or not, over an entire year.

Michael Yost · Answer

You can compare drug plans on www.medicare.gov. You can also work with an independent broker (someone like us) to help you compare many options. It's important to meet with an independent broker each year to review your prescriptions since drug plans and formularies can change each year.

Answered by Michael Yost on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

Cleo Martin · Answer

You can go to Medicare .gov.  They have a program you can put your drugs and your pharmacy in and it will show you the best plan for you. Or, you can contact an agent who usually has a program that will show you what is best. Neither cost. With an agent you will get someone who can explain the different pr
Grams out there and help you figure out what is best for your situation.

Michele Vina · Answer

The best way to research Medicare Part D plans is at Medicare.gov. However, brokers like myself often have tips and tricks to save even more when it comes to prescription coverage.

David Koller · Answer

We use a medicare tool that compares your list of medications and tells us which plan is the best based on those specific medications.

Mike Henry · Answer

Go to a website called Medicare.gov. Fill in your information. That will give all you need to make your best decision

Louanne Allison · Answer

I use Medicare.gov which is a powerful tool that is available to anyone, which checks the cost of your drugs in your zip code by all the plans you have available. Its where I start with most of my prospects, and because I use it daily, I am very proficient and fast with it. I am available to work on it for you.

Answered by Louanne Allison on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, FL, IL & OH, TN, TX & UT

Answered by Louanne Allison Medicare Insurance Agent

Tonya Mowan · Answer

To compare medicines (generic and brand names) make a list of them. You can either check on Medicare.gov or speak with an agent to assist you with this process. Plans have different formularies and cost. It is advised to have a conversation with an agent and your doctor to look at the cost of medicines at your preferred pharmacy.

Answered by Tonya Mowan on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in AR

Answered by Tonya Mowan Medicare Insurance Agent

Gabrielle Sones · Answer

The best way to do this is by utilizing a broker. As a broker we have access to technology that allows us to enter medications and filter plans by cost, pharmacy, etc. I'd be happy to help!

Patrick Stinson · Answer

You will need to get with a qualified advisor and let them guide you through it or you can go to Medicare.gov.

Gregory Gudis · Answer

This can be done on the Medicare website but I absolutely recommend speaking with an agent who does this everyday. Getting your Part D plan correct could save so much money and a mistake could be really costly.

Answered by Gregory Gudis on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CO, CT & 16 other states

Answered by Gregory Gudis Medicare Insurance Agent

Craig Bodner · Answer

Comparing Part D plans to minimize cost should take into consideration, several factors:

	1) Premiums:  Monthly amount paid while enrolled in the plan.
	2) Tier levels/Copays:  Each medication will fall under a specific "Tier Level" for each Prescription coverage plan and determines the amount that you will pay for the medication.  Most medications fall under Tier 1 - 5 (although in some cases a Tier 6 is also utilized).   In general (but not always) your copays are greater under a higher Tier number compared to lower tier numbers.
	3) Deductibles: This is the amount of out of pocket expense the beneficiary must pay before the plan coverage "kicks in".  In other words, you pay 100% of your medication costs until your out of pocket expense meets the plan deductible.
	4) Formulary:  The Formulary is the list of medication covered by the plan.  These can vary from plan to plan.

One way to compare plans is to go online to https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare.  This is a helpful tool provided by Medicare to help you with your choice of plans.  However many people find it much easier to discuss this with a broker that can help you with this process and ensure that you have a full understanding of your options.

Aaron Green · Answer

The best way is to have a trained advocate at our office or in your home, populate your information into our Medicare interface. From there we can provide a detailed listing of what each prescription's tier listing is and it coverage for each drug plan. This activity and consultation is never and should never cost you anything.

Answered by Aaron Green on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, KS, MO & NE

Answered by Aaron Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Clay Tribble · Answer

Medicare.gov has a great tool you can use for free that allows you to enter your drugs and compare across all the different private insurance companies and their various plans to help find the best one for you.

Answered by Clay Tribble on June 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Clay Tribble Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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