Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, What you Should Know

Almost 23 million of the 43.9 million eligible Medicare participants have the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit coverage. Most began choosing a plan in November of 2005. Medicare provides the "Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder", and I can personally vouch for the effectiveness of the tool. You can also access this tool on the phone by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The current problem with the program seems to be the variety. There are 1,875 individual plans this year having grown from 1,429 last year. Many states have more than 50 Part D plans. There are so many different programs, that the doctors don't know how to prescribe properly and within the current formulary structure for every plan. Pharmacies frequently have to call and have the prescription changed because , generic wasn't allowed, or the script requires a higher tier co-pay, or its not in the formulary at all.

What can you do to make you trips to the pharmacy quicker?

• Use the same pharmacy every time, they will access your records faster.
• Make certain your doctor only puts one medicine per script.
• Let the pharmacy know to call you with any problems if you drop off, so you don't find there was a problem when you pick up hours later and the doctors office is closed.
• Take your formulary and basic prescribing instructions to the doctor, he can even make a copy for your chart. Discuss your feelings about higher co-pays and non formulary medications with the doctor.
• If there are changes to your insurance, read them and call the insurance company if you don't understand them. Update the doctors and the pharmacy.
• If your insurance company offers 3 month supplies at a lower mail in cost, by all means do this for any normal maintenance medications.

Be aware, advised, and educated to save money on your prescriptions and stay safer too. Using the same pharmacy every time goes a long distance to avoiding medication conflicts, and allergies.




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