How to Change Medicare Part D
It pays to check every year to make sure your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) is right for you. Premiums go up. Your prescriptions may change. You might have your first experience with the doughnut hole coverage gap. Your plan might change its formulary. Any or all of these factors could be reasons to change. There is no penalty for switching plans, but you can only pick a new plan during the open enrollment period, from November 15 to December 31 each year. Your new plan will begin January 1.
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Things You'll Need
- List of your prescription drugs, including dosages
- Your Medicare and current Part D plan cards
Instructions
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Making The Change
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1
Go to the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan finder. (Res. 1.)
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2
Enter your personal information from your Medicare card.
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3
Enter and store your list of prescription drugs. Pay particular attention to dosage amounts and refill information.
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4
Compare the plans identified by the PDP Finder. Pay extra attention to formulary and utilization details---such as prior authorization or step limit notations---as well as customer service ratings.
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5
Select the plan you want and enroll online between November 15 and December 31, if necessary.
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1
Tips & Warnings
1. If your current plan still is your best option, you will be automatically enrolled for the next year.
2. If you have few prescription costs and enroll in a minimal Part D plan only to avoid paying a premium penalty later, don't worry. You can always change to a better-suited plan during the next open enrollment period.
1. Some plans require you to get company authorization, or try less-expensive drugs similar to the ones prescribed by your doctor, before they will pay for your prescription.
2. If you use a public computer to find a plan, make sure you log off and close the web browser when you have finished.
