I'm confused about the different tiers in Medicare Part D plans. How do they affect what I pay for my medications?
Answered by 8 licensed agents
Answered by Larry Dalton on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Answered by Anthony Castelluccio on April 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD, NJ & VA
Tiers are determined by Medicare (CMS) and are based upon the costs of bringing the drug to market (research & development, plus the ingredients). There are some categories of drugs that don't fit into that rule like Insulin ($35.00 apiece) and the ever-escalating costs of various inhalers.
My tip on paying the least amount of money is to always check with the online discount websites like GoodRx.com, costplusdrugs.com, simplecare.com, etc. There are also a number of Canadian online discount pharmacies that are available in order to check their cost to you. Please remember that should you decide to use a Canadian pharmacy, the drug cost will NOT be applied toward the 2025 annual drug deductible (max: $2,000.00).
Be advised that in 2025, you have 2 options: A) Using your Part D(rug) plan or in checking the drug formulary within your Advantage plan, vs. B) using an online pharmacy which you've investigated and contains a less expensive amount by printing a coupon from your PC. BUT, you cannot use both for the same drug. You CAN use either A or B for the various drugs you take, some of which might point you to your favorite local drug store, while others might dictate that you drive further away from your home to a "different" pharmacy which has better pricing for your drug. The only inconvenience is that you must check that your doctor knows which pharmacy to fax to with each individual drug/Rx.
Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Tier 3 are Brand Name
Tier 4 are specialty drugs
Each tier has a copay associated with it. Tiers 3 and 4 will trigger the annual deductible to be satisfied. Ask your representative for a breakdown of your Drug Plan.
Answered by Tammie Rutledge on April 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in WA, AZ, FL & ID, MT, OR & TX
Example:
TIER 1: Preferred Generic
TIER 2: Other Generic
TEAR 3: Preferred brand
TEAR 4: Brand
Special: Special
If you already have a Part D plan, we recommend you check with your insurance company or agent to find out what tier the drug you are taking is.
Answered by Satoshi Aoki on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
Answered by Fred Manas on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Tier 1 includes the lowest-cost generic drugs, while Tier 5 covers high-cost specialty medications. Monthly premiums and drug deductibles vary by plan, with some offering no monthly premiums.
If you would like additional information, or have further questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Answered by Betty McCarty on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in WA
Tags: Medicare Part D Prescription Drug
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