Stand Alone or Take Advantage?

A very important question you should ask regarding Medicare prescription drug coverage is what type of plan you want.  There are two very different choices.

The first is to enroll in Medicare Part D. This is a stand-alone plan that covers just your medications. You use this coverage in conjunction with the medical coverage you receive with Medicare Parts A and B (hospitalization, provider visits, testing, etc.).

The other option is to opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan that provides all of the health care services under Part A and B as well as coverage for your medicines in one plan. Examples of Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans, and Special Needs Plans.

Both types of plans have advantages, the right choice for you depends on many factors including where you live and your preferences regarding provider choice. Also, be sure to examine more than just the bottom line on premium costs when evaluating any program.

Some beneficiaries choose to enroll in traditional Medicare health coverage as wells as a stand-alone drug plan (Part D) because it gives them freedom to choose providers without having to coordinate within a network or get referrals. The Part D plans cover your medicines but do not include extra services or provide care. (Note: Some beneficiaries who have regular Medicare and Part D plans also purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance to assist in copayments and deductibles for medical services.) Part D plans are available throughout the United States, so you have this option no matter where you live.

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage Plans provide health coverage through specific provider networks and facilities. Once you enroll, you are required to seek care within your network. In some cases, these plans also offer additional services not available to beneficiaries who aren't in their program. Medicare Advantage Plans contract with Medicare to provide Medicare Parts A and B services as well as coverage for your medicines. If you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan you do not need to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance. These plans are not available everywhere, so it’s important to check what is available in the region or area in which you live. You can check online using the plan finder at www.medicare.gov or use our tools to find a local office to assist you in your search.

Here are a few questions to consider when determining what is right for you:

• Does my current doctor or other care provider participate in the Medicare Advantage Plan?
• If not, am I willing to change doctors/providers?
• Are the care providers and other facilities in Medicare Advantage Plans convenient to me?
• Are my medicines covered?

One last thing: Medicare provides a rating of 1 to 5 stars for Medicare prescription stand-alone plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. These ratings are based on both Medicare quality standards and beneficiary experience. For a full explanation of the star rating system, go to www.medicare.gov and don't forget to look for and consider the rating as you select a plan.

Remember that a Medicare is open 24/7 at 1-800-633-4227.