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How Do I Help Choose From Medicare Part D Plans for My Loved One?
There are over 44 million caregivers in America who provide unpaid care to a loved one. As a caregiver (sons, daughters, friends, professional caregivers), you want to make the best decision about the prescription drug needs for your loved one. This information will assist you in getting started.
As a caregiver, what do I need to know about choosing From Part D Plans?
It is important that you are aware of all the aspects of the Medicare Part D plans, so that you can make decisions that will provide the appropriate care at an affordable price.
Prescription drug coverage (Part D plans) is available to everyone enrolled in Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.
Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage (MA-PD's): These plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans are also known as Medicare Part C with prescription drug coverage. Note: One of the main advantages of a Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Drug Coverage is that all insurance benefits are received from one company. This is sometimes referred to as an "All-in-One Medicare Plan" and is sometimes less expensive.
Medicare Part D Plans: These are stand-alone plans that only include prescription drug coverage. Persons who purchase only Medicare Part D typically already have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and are satisfied with their coverage.
What is the Annual Election Period for choosing a Medicare Plan?
The annual election period starts November 15th and ends December 31, 2010. In 2011, and subsequent years, the Annual Election Period will be October 15 through December 7. Anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll in a new plan or change Medicare plans during this time.
Of course, you should also be aware of your loved one's initial enrollment period, if they are just turning 65, or they are under 65 with certain disabilities. There are also additional Special Enrollment Periods for those individuals who qualify due to special circumstances.
When will coverage begin?
Coverage chosen during the 2010 Annual Election Period (November 15 through December 31) will start on January 1, 2011 and will and be in effect for 12 months.
Can I enroll my loved one in a Medicare Health Plan?
Caregivers (family members and professional caregivers) can use the Medicare Part D plan comparison tool to help a Medicare beneficiary compare and choose a drug plan that best meets their loved one's individual needs.
What do I need to get started with the enrollment process?
View plans and pricing. Our easy to use Part D Comparison Tool can help you choose a plan and can give you information on how to enroll. This free tool will help you estimate the total annual costs for Medicare drug coverage, including premiums, copayments, deductibles, and more. These costs vary by zip code, plan, and the quantity and type of medication needed.
Help your family member or friend by following the step-by-step instructions below:
- Collect the names, dosages & quantities of the medications for the person being enrolled in the Medicare plan. (e.g., Lipitor 10mg, quantity 30).
- Go to our Part D Plan Enrollment Form
- Enter the zip code of the person being enrolled in the Medicare plan
- Enter the complete list of drug(s) used by the person being enrolled
- Click continue and compare plans
- From the Plan Results, select the plan that meets the needs of the person being enrolled.
- Follow the instructions to enroll on the plan comparison site.
The enrollee will receive an acknowledgement letter from the health plan upon receipt of the application. Once you have enrolled, call the health plan's customer service if you have any questions.
This website is a private website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or the Department of Health and Human Services nor do we claim to be. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. This site contains basic information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare and is not connected with any Government. If you would like to find more information about the US Government Medicare program please visit the Official US Government Site for People with Medicare located at www.medicare.gov.