How do I compare Part D plans to minimize costs for a mix of generic and specialty drugs?
Answered by 13 licensed agents
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.