Each plan has its own Prescription Drug List called a Formulary. Some plans use a "tiered" Formulary. This means that you will pay a different co-payment depending on which "tier" your prescription drug is found.
If you are concerned with many medications, you can compare plans by entering your medication list and comparing the total annual costs: :: Plan Comparison by Drug Costs
The plans are "teamed" with private and chain pharmacies. These approved pharmacies are a part of the plans pharmacy network. Most of the National Medicare Part D plans have over 50,000+ Pharmacies participating in their networks, including most major chains. If you use a small/local pharmacy, please be sure that the pharmacy participates in the plan’s network. Most plans will also offer mail order prescriptions.
4. Which plan fits in your budget?
Naturally, we would all like the no deductible plan that covers all possible prescription drugs with no co-payment! If such a plan existed, it would be so expensive that no one could afford it. Consider:
the plan's monthly premium
does the plan have an initial $310 deductible (or is there first dollar coverage)?
does the plan provide co-insurance (25% paid by beneficiary - 75% paid by the provider) or co-payment ($2 / $20 / $30 co-payments) or a combination?
