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Adding Prescription Drug Coverage to the Original Medicare Plan
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
People in the Original Medicare Plan can add drug coverage if they join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). They are available through private companies that work with Medicare to provide prescription coverage. See What is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for more details about Medicare prescription drug coverage.
How does the Original Medicare Plan work with a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?
- In most cases, you pay a separate monthly Premium for your prescription drug plan. Premiums vary by plan.
- You pay a Copayment or Coinsurance and, in some cases, a yearly Deductible for your prescription drugs. These charges vary by plan.
- You show a prescription card from your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan when you get your prescriptions filled.
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans have contracts with pharmacies in your area. Check with the plan to make sure plan pharmacies are convenient to you. Some plans may offer a mail-order program that will allow you to have drugs sent directly to your home.
- Each Medicare drug plan has a list of covered drugs (Special Needs Plan ). The list must include at least two drugs (and in some cases all drugs) in all classes of drugs most commonly prescribed to people with Medicare. This makes sure that people with different medical conditions can get the treatment they need.
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What if I can't afford a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?
People with limited income and resources can qualify for extra help paying their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs. See Extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage to find out if you may qualify for extra help.
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If you have drug coverage through a previous or current employer or union, contact your benefits administrator before you make any changes to your prescription drug coverage. Joining a Part D plan could cause you to lose your, your spouse's, and your dependent's employer or union health and/or prescription coverage.
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(Primary Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Medicare and You Handbook 2007. This content may have been added upon by Q1Group LLC to include further examples, explanations, and links.)
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Last updated on: 07/05/2009
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Life Insurance plays an important role in your families financial stability.
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