Between November 15th and December 31st, everyone with Medicare can sign up for the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D) or switch Medicare private drug plans. This is the time to review your current drug coverage and make changes. For most people, buying a Medicare drug plan is voluntary. People with both Medicare and Medicaid are required to have a Medicare private drug plan.

Even if you like the Medicare drug plan that you have now, do not assume that it will work the same way next year. Many Medicare private drug plans change the drugs they cover and the cost. Plans are required by law to send you a letter by the end of October to explain these changes. If you did not receive a letter, call and ask for one.

Different Medicare drug plans cover different prescriptions at different costs and are accepted at different pharmacies. Before you sign up for a drug plan, call Medicare and make sure that it covers your prescriptions and is accepted at your pharmacy. Also, ask whether the plan places any restrictions on the drugs you take (such as requiring "prior authorization" - special permission - before it will cover certain prescriptions). Find out how much you will have to pay for your medications.
 
For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.  

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.