Center for Medicare Advocacy offers tips on Part D enrollment, more

The Center for Medicare Advocacy has released its summary of Part D changes and issues in time for the 2011 enrollment season.  Here are its tips for choosing the right plan:

Reminders for Selecting a Plan

• First and foremost, compare needed drugs to the drugs on the plan’s formulary. Make sure the neeed drugs are on the formulary and have no restrictions (such as prior authorization, quantity limits and step therapy).
• Consider whether or not coverage is needed during the Donut Hole, keeping in mind that this year, most people will get a 50% on brand name drugs purchased while in the Donut Hole.
• If the beneficiary travels, look for a national plan.
• If it is an issue, find out the circumstances when the plan will cover brand name drugs when a generic alternative is available.
• Even after finding a compatible plan, compare annual cost per year, including premium, deductibles and co-pays. Don’t assume that a deductible will make the plan more expensive overall, and don’t assume that mail order is always less expensive.

There are several sources for help in choosing a plan. Compare plans on-line using the Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov.  Read the “Medicare & You 2011” handbook that will arrive in November. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact your local SHIPagency.

Check out the full news bulletin here.