Is Your Medicare Part D Plan Still the Right Choice for You? 5 Tips for Evaluating Changes

By Michael Chamberlain, CFP, AIF

Learn more about Michael on NerdWallet’s Ask an Advisor

“Medicare Part D” is prescription drug coverage for those on standard Medicare plans, and the majority of seniors in the U.S. are covered by Part D plans. Each year, insurance companies that offer Part D plans make changes that affect their premiums, deductibles and copayments, as well as what drugs are covered.

These changes can cost participants hundreds of dollars, sometimes even thousands, if they don’t switch to a plan better suited for them. Most seniors do not re-evaluate their current plan in light of these annual changes. They can end up spending much more than they would if they had switched.

Here are five tips for seniors evaluating their Part D plans with an eye toward saving money:

1. Be skeptical toward recommendations from your pharmacy about which plan is best for you. Your pharmacy has an incentive is to recommend the plan that pays it the most.
2. Do your research before automatically subscribing to the drug plan offered by your Medicare supplement company. It may not be the best pick for your specific situation.
3. Recognize that the best Part D plan for you might not also be the best one for your spouse.
4. Deal with insurance agents only after you identify the right plan for you. Insurance salespeople also have an incentive to steer you toward plans that pay them more, rather than the plan that is right for you. Once you pick a plan, an agent can then help with the paperwork for that plan.
5. Visit the Medicare website to learn about changes and determine which plan will be most suitable for you in the coming year.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation research, only about 13% of Medicare beneficiaries change plans from year to year. The primary reason: They simply do not comparison shop. Don’t let that happen this year.

The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D runs from October 15 to December 7. Changes become effective January 1, 2016. So mark your calendars and remind your friends and family. Time is running out to determine the best plan for next year.

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from NerdWallet Credit Card Blog
http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/advisorvoices/medicare-part-plan-choice-5-tips-evaluating/