Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder

Use this tool to search for and compare coverage options available in your area:

https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx

What is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage?

The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit offers coverage for brand name and generic drugs to anyone eligible for Medicare. Coverage is provided through private insurance plans, and you can choose a plan that is right for you. You must enroll to get coverage.

Am I eligible for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Benefit?

To be eligible for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan benefit, an individual must be:

entitled to Medicare Benefits under Part A and/ or enrolled in Part B
a resident in the prescription plan's service area
not be enrolled in more than one Medicare Part D plan at a time

During the Annual Enrollment Period of November 15 through December 31 of each year, anyone eligible for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage may either enroll or switch their current Medicare Part D plan.

Should I enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?

Enrolling in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan can save you money and offer peace of mind, should your prescription drug costs rise in the future. You should enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan unless your current drug coverage is as good or better than the Medicare prescription drug coverage available to you. This is called "creditable" coverage. It's important that you join a plan when you are first eligible*. You should contact your current plan provider to determine if you have creditable coverage. If you are eligible for Medicare and have Medicaid, you may be automatically enrolled in a prescription drug plan. Check with your State Medicaid Department for more information.

There is a penalty for each month you delay in enrolling in a Part D plan once becoming eligible

When can I enroll?

You have the opportunity to obtain drug coverage when you become eligible for Medicare, during your Initial Medicare Enrollment Period. You can join a Medicare drug plan:

During your initial 7 month Medicare Enrollment Period (three months before and three months after your 65th birthday)
During the three months before and the three months after your 25th month of disability
63 days after your creditable insurance coverage ends or during the Annual Enrollment Period which runs November 15th through December 31st each year.

What if I choose not to enroll?

If you're eligible, and don't sign up when you're first eligible, you may pay more. If you don't join a Medicare drug plan when you're first eligible to join (during your Initial Enrollment Period), and there is a period of 63 continuous days or more during which you don't have creditable prescription drug coverage, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty when you do join. This amount changes every year, but is approximately 1% of the plan's premium price for each month you delay in enrolling for a plan. You will have to pay a penalty as long as you have Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.

Is there help available if I can't afford a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?

Some people with limited income and resources will qualify for Extra Help. If you qualify, Social Security will help you pay for premiums and/or the cost of prescriptions. You can apply for Extra Help at any time, and there's no risk to submitting an application. To determine if you qualify, contact your local Social Security office, or visit www.ssa.gov for more details. To qualify for this subsidy in 2011, Medicare-eligible seniors must meet the following income guidelines:

You may qualify for Extra Help for your prescription drug coverage if you have up to $1,354 in monthly income ($1,821 for a married couple) and up to $12,510 in total assets ($25,010 for a married couple).

The 'Extra Help' benefit will also help seniors by reducing or eliminating their out-of-pocket deductibles, co-pays and expenses associated with the coverage gap.

How do I find out if my medications are covered?

The Medicare Plan Finder from www.medicare.gov can be used to help you find which medications are covered and the costs associated with each plan. Complete the contact us form and our staff will be happy to assist with orders or any questions.

Where can I get more information?

Every October, Medicare recipients receive the Medicare & You handbook in the mail with more detailed information. This is a good place to start. You can also:

To compare plans go the Medicare Plan Finder from www.medicare.gov
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Read about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Your Rights

Confidential: King Pharmacy wants to make it easier for consumers to understand the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. King Pharmacy does not endorse any specific Medicare Part D plan. King Pharmacy accepts ALL major Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.