Kenneth Guzman-Andrade
Licensed Life and
Health Insurance Broker
Written 5/12/2023
Medicare
Part D
Intro | Should I Take Medicare Now?
|How To Signup For Medicare | Medicare Secondary Options |
I'm Turning 65 But My Spouse Is Not |
Medicare Disability | Medicaid
"I highly recommend connecting with Ken if you have to go on Medicare."
Can I Switch My Plan Mid Year?
You generally must stay enrolled for the calendar year. However, in certain situations, you may be able to join, switch, or drop Medicare drug plans. Some common examples include:
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If you move out of your plan’s service area
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If you lose other creditable prescription drug coverage
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If you live in an institution (like a nursing home)
What is Medicare Part D?
Part D is available through two options: Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) or Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage (MAPDs).
Stand-Alone PDPs are separate private insurance policies you get in addition to Original Medicare and your Medicare Supplement. Here you are responsible for a monthly premium and copays for your prescriptions at the pharmacy. Most people pay $15-30 for their prescriptions, but it can be much higher depending on your particular set of drugs.
MAPDs are Medicare Advantage plans that contain prescription coverage. Unlike Stand-Alone PDPs, these plans often have no monthly premium. You will still be responsible for drug copays at your pharmacy.
When Do I Start Medicare Part D?
Both Stand-Alone PDPs and MAPDs can be applied for during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is the three months before, the month of, and three months after turning 65 or joining part B for the first time. You can also join a PDP or MAPD within 63 days of leaving or losing employer coverage.
When Can I Join Or Change a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?
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Annual Enrollment Period - Between October 15 – December 7 each year, Medicare allows for anyone to join, switch, or drop their plan. The change will take effect on January 1 as long as the plan gets your request by December 7.
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Initial Enrollment Period - When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you can join during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
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Disability Beneficiaries - If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before your 25th month of disability, includes your 25th month of disability, and ends 3 months after your 25th month of disability. You’ll have another chance to join that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
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Extra Help Beneficiaries - If you get Extra Help, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare drug plan anytime during the year.
How Do I Enroll In Medicare Part D?
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Contact NJ Life and Health Insurance Group; we will walk you through the enrollment by paper or E-app
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Enrolling on the plan’s website or on www.medicare.gov
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Completing a paper application sent directly from the company
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Calling 1-800-MEDICARE
To enroll, you’ll need your Medicare number and the date your Part A and/or Part B coverage started. This information is on your Medicare card.
What Drugs Are Covered Under Part D?
Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, which is called a Formulary. This list also labels each prescription with a tier ranking, usually between 1-5. This tier ranking will give you a general idea of what the cost will be when you pick it up at the pharmacy.
Tiers 1 & 2 are reserved for generic drugs. These usually include common low cost prescriptions such as cholesterol & blood pressure medication. Tier 3 & 4 are brand name drugs. These are slightly more expensive, and can include the drugs you see in TV commercials. Tier 5 is reserved for expensive specialty prescriptions, such as cancer and MS treatment.
Do I Pay More For Part D Based On Income?
A small group—fewer than 5% of all people with Medicare—may pay a higher monthly premium for Part D coverage based on their income. This includes stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Cost Plans that include Medicare drug coverage.
If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago (the most recent tax return information provided to Social Security by the IRS) is above a certain limit, you’ll pay an extra amount in addition to your plan premium. Usually, the extra amount will be deducted from your Social Security check.
Are There Limitations With My Part D?
Medicare drug plans may have the following coverage rules:
Prior authorization - You and/or your prescriber must contact the drug plan before you can fill certain prescriptions. Your prescriber may need to show that the drug is medically necessary for the plan to cover it. This is rare and tends to only happen when the medication is not on your plans' formulary.
Quantity limits - Limits on how much medication you can get at one time. This is to stop people from buying medications for themselves and their friends and family.
Step therapy - Your plan may require you to try a low cost prescription before approving a high cost prescription your doctor has prescribed.