What's the biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan?

Question

Michelle Sparks · Accepted Answer

With continual changes in Carrier Plans, Formularies, and Deductibles, choosing the right Medicare Part D plan is getting more challenging each year. Below is a quick summary of the four biggest mistakes seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan.

1) Not comparing plans: The biggest mistake is not comparing plans. This is critical to ensuring you are on the right plan to start out with, and each year during the annual enrollment period (AEP), because plans change annually. You must not assume that your plan will remain the same year to year. This goes for both Medicare Part D and Medicare Part C plans.

2) Not considering your prescriptions: Some plans may have a low premium, but your prescriptions may not be covered in that carriers formulary. Carriers may change their formularies each year, so this comparison should also be done during initial enrollment as well as each year during the AEP.

3) Not considering deductibles, copayments, and in network pharmacies: In 2026, several carriers added or increased their drug deductible and copays. In addition to considering these elements you should also ensure that you are using an in-network pharmacy. Not doing so could cost you several hundred dollars per prescription. All of these costs vary from carrier to carrier and many of these costs will change annually.

4) Missing enrollment periods: Missing your initial enrollment period in Medicare Part D or missing the annual enrollment period are key mistakes that seniors make. Seniors that are turning 65 or currently on a Medicare Plan, should work with a local broker at least 3 months in advance of their 65th birthday and each year during the AEP, which is October 15th-December 7th.

Trever Dahms · Answer

Here are the 3 biggest mistakes I see with seniors when choosing a Medicare Part D plan:

1) Not reviewing their medication list against the plan's formulary. A plan can look great on paper, but if one of your prescriptions isn't covered, or is in a higher tier than expected, you could end up paying far more than you planned.

2) Not understanding when the deductible applies. Some plans have no deductible, others have one that applies to certain drug tiers but not others and if you don't know how that works, your first few prescription fills of the year can come as a real surprise.

3) Going with a "name brand" without comparing options. A lot of people just re-enroll in the same well-known plan year after year, or pick whatever carrier they recognize, without ever running their actual medications through a comparison. The most recognizable name isn't always the cheapest or best fit for your specific drugs.

Steven Whetstine · Answer

One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a plan based solely on the premium and not factoring the out of pocket costs and pharmacy or pharmacies that will be used.  

A Medicare beneficiary will want to check to see if their preferred pharmacy is in the network for the Part D Prescription Drug Plan.  Each insurance carrier will have different preferred pharmacies within their network.

It is important that one identifies the correct prescription that will be taken when reviewing the formulary under the plan.  It can make a difference if reviewing tablets versus capsules or brand name versus the generic option.

It is important to review the Part D plan annually as your needs may change with prescriptions, and the plans change annually.  Premiums, deductibles and copays can shift each year.  Also, prescription formularies can change tiers from year to year.

Also, it is a great idea to have a discussion with the medical professionals who prescribe prescriptions to identify which medications would work well to treat you and what options could potentially save you money.

It is always good to look at the bottom line.  You always want to look at the total estimated costs rather than which plans offer you the lowest premium.

Terry Salak · Answer

Without a doubt the BIGGEST and the MOST COSTLY mistake Sr's make when they are eligible for Part D is to NOT take it "because I don't take any medications".  When opting out of this you are setting yourself up for "forever" LEP (Late Enrollment Penalty) down the road.  The Medicare Part D LEP is calculated at a 1% penalty for every month you were eligible for Part D and you DID NOT enroll.  This 1%/per month is based on the national average cost of a Part D drug plan and a.) stays with you forever b.) recalculates every January to new "national average".  

The second biggest error is enrolling in a plan when turning 65 and having the monthly premium deducted from your monthly SS check.  Over time, both plan premiums and member drug needs change and this is something that needs to be reviewed every year during AEP.

Most areas in the country will have $0 to low cost stand-alone PDP plans so do yourself a favor and don't bypass this when you are first eligible.

Mel Stevens · Answer

By and far the biggest mistake is not electing Part D in a timely manner! Once you receive your part B effective date, Medicare will give you a 60-day window to elect a prescription medication plan. If you exceed the 60-day window, Medicare can and will penalize you for the rest of your life. It's very important to know these rules which unfortunately aren't explained or conveyed very well. Even if you don't take any medications, you still need to sign up for a Part D prescription medication plan. There are various Part D plans available in each state. If you don't take any meds or just perhaps a couple generics, tier 1 and tier 2 medications, there are some zero premium Part D plan available in Arizona. Premiums and formularies vary from company to company and plan to plan. It's important to check the formularies to ensure your meds are covered and to calculate your expected medication costs.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Pamela Masters · Answer

I can’t really address the mistakes as much as how to pick one. When you are looking for a Medicare prescription drug plan first look at the deductible on the plan you are looking at. 
Next,  check all of your meds to make sure they are covered and what tier they fall under. Don’t assume that each plan will cover your meds. Each plan has a different list of medications or formulary.  
Next know how much each medication would cost you each month. Also know what the monthly premium is. 
Don’t assume that a plan that charges $0 premium is going to be the cheapest plan for you.
 Lastly, check to see if your pharmacy is in the network. Plans also have a mail order pharmacy and on some plans you can save money by using them and they come right to your mail box.

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

I think it is assuming that the most expensive, stand-alone part D (prescription drug plan) is the only plan to cover their medications. Often we find that the zero dollar premium and low cost part D plans cover most drugs. 

Before you overpay for a Part D plan,  consider verifying your medications are on the plan's formulary for the year and compare the cost for the medications. When carriers have more than one Part D plan available, they can also have different cost share (co pays, coinsurance, and deductible requirements) and categorized in different tier levels that will impact your out of pocket cost for your medications. 

If you need help, reach out to a local, trusted, Medicare advisor, SHIP, or visit the Medicare.gov website for more information, best practices, and resources to help you assess and compare your options for the upcoming year.

Justin Scheiner · Answer

The biggest mistake is choosing a Part D plan based only on the monthly premium instead of checking how their specific medications are covered. A plan that looks cheap upfront can end up costing much more if their drugs are in a higher tier, require prior authorization, or are not covered well at their preferred pharmacy. The best plan is the one that fits their actual prescriptions, pharmacy, and total yearly cost, not just the lowest premium.

Answered by Justin Scheiner on May 18, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, CO, CT & 5 other states

Answered by Justin Scheiner Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

The 2 biggest mistakes that seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan are:

1. Not verifying the listed prescription or tier level on the plan's formulary.

2. Enrolling in a plan where the monthly premium is excessive in comparison to the monthly cost of the prescriptions. Example: Paying a $103/month for plan for when you're only taking generic prescriptions.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

The biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan is just leaving it to be paid annually and not looking at the changes year to year. The formulary often can change from and could be costly on some medications. Its always a good rule of thumb to re-evaluate.

Answered by Sharon Tagoe on October 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, AZ, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Sharon Tagoe Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Remin · Answer

Hello, Robert Remin, Expert Medicare Plan Advisor, licensed and Medicare and Carrier certified in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Florida. The biggest mistake people make when they try to choose a Part D prescription drug plan on their own is assuming the higher premium they pay, the lower the drug costs are. That is not necessarily the case. There's no reason to pay a large premium to a carrier if you are taking all generic drugs. It makes absolutely no economic sense. Some people do that in anticipation, thinking, "Oh, one day I'm gonna wind up with an expensive drug, so I need to pay the bigger premium now, so in case I wind up with an expensive drug, it will be less." That is the completely incorrect way to think about choosing a Part D Medicare plan. If you have additional questions, please call or text me.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Medicare agents have a resource for seniors, and we're happy and proud to be a part of giving the answers. What's the biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan? Simple, they don't search out all of the options that are available on an annual basis for the Part D plans. The Part D plans change every year, just like Medicare Advantage, so you want to look at what options are out there.

What we do here at my State Farm agency on Kelly Street in Manchester, just like I did for my free appointment today, is we go on and look at the different options that are available. For the four medications that she was taking, the plans ranged from zero premiums to $51 a month for the same plan to cover the same prescriptions.

So work with someone like myself who's going to do that extra homework for you and make it work for you. Please work with someone like myself who will help you with that. We'll do all the legwork, and then any time every year you have to renew, we look at what's out there now, and we can help you with that. We'd be honored to help you. Thank you.

Todd Bostic · Answer

They don't make sure all of their medications are covered, they say they only take 1 or 2 medications, and then the agent signs them up for an inexpensive plan that doesn't cover all of their medicines. The Agent needs to verify all of the seniors medicines are covered at the least expensive cost for them, and then when you add the meds, the agent should still be able to tell you the most cost effective plan available to you over the course of a year, not just a month.

Answered by Todd Bostic on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Alisa Mathis · Answer

The biggest mistake in my opinion is just going by the monthly premium price. Even though it is not required, they should always make sure all of their prescriptions are covered. Drug formularies may not only differ between carriers, it can also differ between plans with the same carrier. Also, make sure their preferred pharmacy is in-network or that they at least have an in-network pharmacy close to them.

Answered by Alisa Mathis on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, IA, ME & 5 other states

Answered by Alisa Mathis Medicare Insurance Agent

Wayne Hartzler · Answer

The biggest mistake I have seen is enrolling in a prescription plan (PDP) solely based on the monthly premium cost. Without actually evaluating a plan with a person's current, or known future prescriptions, it is possible to have to pay for 100% of the cost of the prescriptions. Not all prescriptions are on every formulary, nor are they all valued the same on the different formularies.

Answered by Wayne Hartzler on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Wayne Hartzler Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Usually the biggest mistake people make when choosing a Part D Drug plan is they go for the cheapest alternative. Many Part D plans are very inexpensive, but if you look closely, the Prescription Drug list, or formulary, that they cover may be lacking or thin in some areas.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Adlman · Answer

The biggest mistake is picking a plan based on its low premium rather than how it covers your medications. It is also very important to review your prescription drug plan every year during the annual enrollment period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

Answered by Steve Adlman on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in AL

Answered by Steve Adlman Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Lombardo · Answer

In my opinion, the biggest mistake seniors make with their Rx plan is not changing it once they enroll. AEP has an important function for Medicare beneficiaries, and that open window ensures that when the drug and advantage plans change (as they do annually) they are not stuck in a plan that no longer works for them.

Answered by Mary Green on October 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, CO, FL, GA, TN & VA

Answered by Mary Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Dan Calabrese · Answer

Looking at the cost of the monthly premium and the plan deductible without looking at the total cost when factoring in copays for medications. Also, assuming that they need to obtain the part D plan from the same carrier as their Medicare supplement.

Answered by Dan Calabrese on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT & MA

Answered by Dan Calabrese Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

The biggest mistake that seniors make when choosing a part D plan is to choose a plan strictly for the price of the plan , rather than taking in consideration the cost of the drugs, and the premium.
The right thing to do in order to get the best fit for you, is to contact your insurance agent, let them know what drugs you take including the strength and let them figure out which plan is the best plan for you after analyzing all the information.

Joseph Lipski · Answer

The biggest mistake you can make is not looking up all of your drugs to make sure they are on the carriers formulary. Also, basing your decision on the monthly premium alone, is a common mistake people make, especially if they have tier 3 - tier 5 drugs.

Answered by Joseph Lipski on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, CA, DE & 17 other states

Answered by Joseph Lipski Medicare Insurance Agent

Alicia Tyring · Answer

The biggest mistakes would be not checking all of your medications on the plan's formulary. Allowing your plan to auto-enroll each year at potentially increased costs instead of completing an annual plan review during your annual enrollment period. Reach out to a licensed sales agent to assist & walk you through the process. Just cause the monthly premium is lower, it doesn't mean that your costs will be low.

Answered by Alicia Tyring on November 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, AR & 42 other states

Answered by Alicia Tyring Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

They need to make sure that the Medicine is on the formulary of a plan before enrolling.
They also need to check for overall cost per Medicare.gov. They need to make sure that the pharmacy they use is covered and other options for Pharmacies are in the preferred network for the lowest cost for Meds.

Mark Boone · Answer

The biggest mistake seniors make is choosing a plan based solely on the lowest monthly premium rather than looking at total out-of-pocket costs, or neglecting to re-evaluate their plan every year

Muriel Evans · Answer

Great question!

The biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan is focusing only on the monthly premium without checking whether their medication are covered or how much they'll actually pay out-of-pocket. Why this is a costly mistake?
Many seniors are drawn to the lowest premium plans, assuming they'll save money. But:
Look out for limited drug coverage with low premiums, pharmacy networks, and hidden costs. 

All the best -Muriel

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

The biggest mistake is not actually running your medications on Medicare.gov or having an agent run them. Medicare.gov is an unbiased comparison. But there can be errors on Medicare.gov so be careful. Using the Medicare and You book is never a good way to choose a plan.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on September 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Joe Graves · Answer

There are 2 important points in choosing a Part D plan: 1) use Medicare.gov to see how each plan works with your prescriptions, and 2) understand that almost all of the plans have a deductible either on all tiers or on tiers 3/4/5.

Answered by Joe Graves on April 27, 2026

Agent Licensed in OK, AR, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Joe Graves Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Denniston · Answer

Buyin a plan based on monthly premium instead of overall yearly cost? Why does this happen? Usually because the average person does not know how to do this properly. Many seniors may qualify for extra help and not know it. Let a professional run your formulary and get what your actual cost will be.

Answered by Michael Denniston on July 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Pete Alberti · Answer

The two major mistakes people make when choosing a part D plan would be not getting one at all because they take no medication‘s or not searching their medication’s amongst all plans offered in their area. The best place to search your medication’s with your pharmacy is on medicare.gov. While agents don’t enroll Members any longer, they can certainly be a helpful guide when looking for a Medicare part D plan.

Answered by Pete Alberti on May 11, 2026

Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN & 8 other states

Answered by Pete Alberti Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Peck · Answer

Most get talked into the most expensive plan because they believe its the best plan. They also dont know they can change them every year. I check every year for my clients their Part D plans to make sure they are on the best one for them and their prescriptions. They can save hundreds of dollars just having it checked every year.

Answered by Joseph Peck on August 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, AL, CO, KS & TN

Answered by Joseph Peck Medicare Insurance Agent

David Christian · Answer

Getting a plan that doesn't have the prescriptions on the formulary. If you have a broker, this should never happen without you knowing the prescription wasn't covered beforehand and you are going into it asking for an exception from the carrier.

Answered by David Christian on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason York · Answer

Not verifying that their medications are on the formulary and at the lowest cost. Also verify what Pharmacy is preferred and which ones aren't as that has a lot to do with the pricing.

Barb Koch · Answer

One of the biggest mistakes is not checking to see if the drugs are in the carrier's formulary and what the cost will be. Never assume all carriers offer the same benefits. Talking to a trusted Broker who care about their clients and goes over details will help save money down the road.

Answered by Barb Koch on September 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO

Answered by Barb Koch Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Jolley · Answer

Not reviewing your medications annually is the biggest mistake Seniors make when choosing their Part D plan. Plans can change their formularies, which could affect coverage and costs, in turn costing you time and money.

Answered by Larry Jolley on October 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, SC & WA

Answered by Larry Jolley Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Selecting a plan only based on a monthly premium. A person should consider personal situation, health, premium, deductible, and current prescriptions.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

The major mistake to avoid is to ensure that all your current prescriptions are covered and that the company's formulary includes the medication. You also have to make sure that these prescriptions and cost fit your budget. Make sure the proper plan covers all out-of-pocket costs. Zero-dollar or low-cost PDP plans are not always the best option.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on December 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

William Scott · Answer

Consider getting a bird’s eye view of every Prescription Drug Plan in your area if you have a Med Sup before purchasing the first thing or recognizable name. 

If you have a Med. Advantage plan, consider getting a plan that has a prescription drug plan already attached whose Drug Formulary supports the prescriptions you take.

David Nelson · Answer

The biggest mistake would be to not enter your current prescriptions into the carriers drug lookup tools. It is very important all current prescriptions are in the plan's formulary, and know what your cost share exposure is.

Answered by David Nelson on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by David Nelson Medicare Insurance Agent

William Gray · Answer

The Biggest mistake that people make with part D is not reviewing it annually.

Cost per company and Formulary teirs change every year. 

You may be paying for more than you need to without an annual review.

Mary Green · Answer

In my opinion, the biggest mistake seniors make with their Rx plan is not changing it once they enroll. AEP has an important function for Medicare beneficiaries, and that open window ensures that when the drug and advantage plans change (as they do annually) they are not stuck in a plan that no longer works for them.

Answered by Mary Green on October 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, CO, FL, GA, TN & VA

Mike Henry · Answer

Price versus total cost benefit. Just because a company may have the cheaper premium doesn’t mean it’s the best. A higher price Psrt D may cover overall drug costs better

Sharon Tagoe · Answer

The biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan is that they go by company names that they know instead of analyzing the whole marketplace, AND finding a PLAN THAT WILL ASK FOR THE LEAST AMOUNT OUT OF THEIR POCKET.

Answered by Rene Apack on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AR & 25 other states

Answered by Rene Apack Medicare Insurance Agent

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

Not checking the formulary to ensure all their prescriptions are covered. Also, simply forgetting to enroll within the time frame allowed for it

Joseph Meyers · Answer

Other than not talking to me first....a few possible mistakes could be made:

1. Not using medicare.gov to compare all plans against your medications. 

2. Not checking your drug coverage every year, by comparing new plans or if you were prescribed new meds

Annette Hartman · Answer

One of the biggest "mistakes" I see seniors make regarding Part D coverage, is not comparing plan costs for their individual needs. I always suggest to review all plans in your area to see what your total out of pocket costs will be based on your prescriptions.

Answered by Annette Hartman on May 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Annette Hartman Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

An agent can help seniors better understand a Part D plan formulary and how it aligns with their specific medication needs. It is also important not to overlook coverage restrictions like prior authorization or tiered drug costs, which can lead to unexpected expenses or inability to access necessary medications.

Answered by Linda Davies on May 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL

Answered by Linda Davies Medicare Insurance Agent

Rene Apack · Answer

The biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan is that they go by company names that they know instead of analyzing the whole marketplace, AND finding a PLAN THAT WILL ASK FOR THE LEAST AMOUNT OUT OF THEIR POCKET.

Answered by Rene Apack on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AR & 25 other states

Dino Pappadis · Answer

The biggest mistake one can make when choosing a part D plan, is to simply choose based on cost of premium and not taking into account the drugs and tiers coverage in the formulary

Rick Boyd · Answer

By not checking if your medications are on the plans formulary. Or deciding that you do not need a part D plan because you don’t currently take medications.

Mike Alexander · Answer

Always be s ure your medications are in the formulary, make sure your pharmacy is a preferred pharmacy, and use medicare.gov or heymoe.com to get an independent view before you enroll

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Not knowing that a Part D drug formulary can be changed to eliminate your drug anytime during the year. Naturally, this is outrageous! It will happen with brand name drugs due to the volatility of all Rx's nowadays. I feel that this is THE biggest challenge facing seniors today.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Marshall · Answer

The biggest mistake is to not check the formulary for every medication prescribed. Formularies change so often, it’s imperative to check them constantly.

Diana Salisbury · Answer

One mistake might be that they think that all copays are the same. Most plans require that a deductible be reached on Tier 3 and higher tiers before the cost of their expensive prescription is reduced.

Answered by Diana Salisbury on May 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, IN & MI

Answered by Diana Salisbury Medicare Insurance Agent

Maurice Ellis · Answer

The biggest mistake seniors often make when choosing a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan is not reviewing and comparing plans annually based on their current medications.

Sarah Frome · Answer

They go with something recommended by a friend, and not the best plan for them based off of the meds they take. It is best to compare all the options available in your state.

Larry Dalton · Answer

With the changes made in 2025 to the drug formulas and tears, it is wise to analyze all the plans. Cheaper premiums could cost you more in the long run at the pharmacy. I would always investigate the drug plans each year.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Mal Varlack · Answer

Biggest mistake is that seniors think their medications and/or plans don't change. They dont get a yearly review to make sure the plan hasnt changed.

David Schult · Answer

The right plan is the one that covers your specific meds, at the lowest total yearly cost, even if the premium is a few dollars higher.

Dina Todd · Answer

One of the biggest mistakes seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan is they don't check all their medications on the plans before making a decision. They only check the one or two they are concerned with. Another mistake they make is not checking different pharmacies on the plan and compare costs between the pharmacies.

Answered by Dina Todd on October 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dina Todd Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

They do not have a medicare insurance consultant verify the cost of their medications prior to signing up for a prescription drug plan (Part D) and get hit with high cost of medicines. Or have a High Rx deductible.

Answered by Carol Thompson on September 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Satoshi Aoki · Answer

It is important to choose a Part D plan even if you are healthy when you turn 65. If you delay your application, you will incur a penalty and have to pay additional premiums. Furthermore, the penalty will continue.

reference

https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/part-d/basics/costs

Elisa Forte · Answer

Not checking beforehand if their prescriptions are in the formulary of the plan they’re looking to get. That’s why it’s so important to have an agent help you you get the plan that Best suits you and your needs.
I as an insurance agent helped my Medicare members by educating them on what the options are before we start looking at any plans this way we ensure getting the right fit for you.
Elisa Forte
Licensed insurance agent

Lori Lipton · Answer

When it comes to Medicare part D plans, I feel the biggest mistake. People make is not reviewing them each year. It’s critical as the plan rules change, and people’s medication‘s list can change.

Answered by Lori Lipton on December 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH & FL

Answered by Lori Lipton Medicare Insurance Agent

Pat Papson · Answer

In my experience, not checking if your Prescription are covered, but especially the cost.

Best option is to call your local Agent, who is familiar with plans and costs in your area

Peter Joseph · Answer

You need to make sure all your formulary prescriptions are covered under that part D plan. There is away for us to check that. Certain prescriptions do fall under Part B.

Vernon Jones · Answer

They don’t work with an experienced agent that knows how to do the proper research by getting the seniors medication. The proper research is done to find the most favorable Part D plan at the lowest cost and lowest monthly by premium for the drug plan.

Answered by Vernon Jones on October 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Blaine Shipe · Answer

The biggest mistake made is not taking into account you monthly premium plus you drug costs. The other mistake is if you are on high priced name brand or new drugs.

Jeffrey Sodikoff · Answer

YOU MUST CHECK THE EXACT NAME AND DOSAGE OF EACH DRUG IN THE INSURANCE COMPANY DRUG FORMULARY. THIS IOS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Kris Neupauer · Answer

The simplest way I can put it.  The one thing that they do is looking to choose plans on their own.  Get an agent or broker that can do the research for you.

Deborah Krump · Answer

The biggest mistake they make is NOT choosing one and not knowing they will have a Late Emrollment Penalty for that decision.

Nick Sarant · Answer

NOT CONSULTING WIYH A LICENSED MEDICARE AGENT. WORKING WITH SOME RANDOM PERSON FROM A CALL CENTER. NOT CHECKING MEDICATIONS AND MAKING SURE THEIR PHARMACY IS PREFERRED. (IN NETWORK)

David Didier · Answer

Hello ,

On the Part D, (Prescription drug coverage).

 I get a list of your prescriptions you are currently taking, then I go to the Medicare.gov

I check what plans cover the drugs and the pharmacies at the lowest cost, so you can get the best prices and control the budget for your cost for the year!

It is best to check all your cost at the pharmacy you use, (it might be costing you a lot, or it might be the best, the Medicare.gov site lets you know, call me, I can help!

Thx!

Robert Nunn · Answer

The answer is not getting a train license agent to go over in detail the drugs the client uses.

Steven Maicus II · Answer

What's the biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan?

You should have an Agent do a proper needs assessment to make sure all of your medication is covered and review alternative options to meet your needs and budget.  

Steve,