Should I stay, or should I go? This isn’t merely the poetic utterance of that venerated British sage of yesteryear. It’s a question that Medicare beneficiaries must answer on an annual basis. Should you stay on your current Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or should you choose a different one? In this article, we will help you answer that question by showing you how to walk through your annual Medicare plan review all by yourself.
And please keep in mind, of course, that if you’d prefer to have someone help you through it, simply reach out and get in touch with us. We’re always available and delighted to help.
Without any further ado, let’s jump in.
Step 1: Go to www.Medicare.gov
Find and click the “login” button in the upper right of the screen. If you have an existing account, login with your username and password. If you don’t have an account, find and click the link that says “create an account now.”
Once you are logged in, your existing Prescription Drug Plan and pharmacy preference will be displayed. If your pharmacy has changed, choose “Edit My Pharmacies;” this will allow for a better cost estimate.
Step 2: Click “Health & Drug Plans”
Step 3: Select “Find health & drug plans”
Recently-prescribed drugs will be listed alphabetically. Verify each prescription, dosage, and frequency. To make changes, click “Edit My Drug List,” and Edit, Remove, or Add Another Drug as needed.
Once complete, click OK.
Step 4: Select “Find Plans Now”
Enter your zip code and plan type, then click “Apply.”
Next, click “Start” to see available Prescription Drug Plans. Your current drug plan will be listed first, followed by all available drug plans in your area sorted by the total annual cost, including premiums and drug costs.
Step 5: Review and/or Compare Plans
Click the “Plan Details” tab to see a Summary of Benefits. Or, to see a side-by-side comparison of up to two additional plans, check the “Add to compare” checkbox.
Next, review the plan details including the plan premium, annual deductible, and drug costs during the different coverage phases. Also, review the Other Drug Information section to make sure your medication is on the plan’s formulary, and whether prior authorization, quantity limits, or step therapy apply. (Note: Star Ratings take into account coverage, customer service, and overall quality.)
Step 6: Stay in Your Current Plan, or Choose a New One
If you would like to stay in your current plan, no action is required, and you can simply logout or close your browser. If you would like to select a new Prescription Drug Plan, click “Enroll and Join Plan” to complete the application.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully reviewed your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. But if you’re still not sure or if you have any questions, again, feel free to contact us. Making Medicare simple is what we do best.
