For instance:
- How much do I spend each year on prescription drugs?
- What does the Medicare Part D plan cost each month?
- Does the Medicare Part D plan cover your particular prescription drugs?
- What are the Medicare Part D plan's co-payment and deductibles?
- Is my favorite or nearby Pharmacy a member of this Medicare Part D plan's Pharmacy Network? And ... is this pharmacy a preferred Network pharmacy that might have better pricing as compared to a standard network pharmacy?
- Do you qualify financially for any "Extra Help" programs?
- Are you already eligible for prescription drug coverage by your previous employer, union, or the VA?
Please note, as a rough guideline, it is estimated that if you spend as little as
$68.00 per month on prescription drugs (or
$810.00 per year), you could save money with a Medicare Part D plan (depending on the plan's monthly premium).
CMS Steps to Choosing a Medicare Drug Plan
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notes: Follow the steps below to choose and join a Medicare drug plan, whether you’re joining for the first time or reviewing your plan options for coverage next year.
Step 1: Prepare—Gather information about your current drug
coverage and needs.
Step 2: Compare—Compare Medicare drug plans based on cost,
coverage, and customer service.
Step 3: Decide—Decide which plan is best for you, and join.
Tip: Before considering which Medicare drug plan to join, check out how any current health coverage you have could affect your drug coverage choices.