The best resource for evaluating plans is Medicare’s online Plan Finder. This is especially true if you have a lot of prescription drugs.
Before you begin, gather a few items you’ll need:
-- your Medicare card;
-- MyMedicare.gov login information (if you’ve logged in before);
-- pharmacy name and address;
-- list of all prescription drugs, strength and dosages;
-- and a list of medical issues or concerns you’d like to cover.
Now, let’s explore the basics of how to use the website.
1: Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare. You can log in, create an account or continue without logging in. If you do create an account and have a Part D prescription drug plan, the new Plan Finder will automatically pull your current prescription drugs into its comparison tool. You will need your Medicare card and a unique login ID and password to create an account. An expanded search of Medigap policies is available via a link near the bottom of the page.
2: The next screen will ask “a few quick questions” about what kind of coverage you want, your ZIP code and county and whether you get financial help. You can search Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans or Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans with or without drug coverage. You can also take a short tutorial of your plan options if you check “I want to learn more about Medicare options before I see plans.”
› Click Next when done.
3: “Tell us your search preferences” allows you to estimate your drug costs while browsing plans. It’s a good idea to check “Yes” here. A plan’s costs can differ significantly depending on your prescriptions. › Click Next when done.
4: Add prescription drugs allows you to enter each medicine by name. You can also browse an A-to-Z directory. If you select a brand name drug, Plan Finder will suggest the generic version to consider instead. You’re also asked to enter your dosage, quantity and frequency.
› Click Add to My Drug List when done.
You can add up to 40 drugs.
› Click Next when done.
5: Pharmacy selection allows you to search for drugstores near you where you might fill your prescriptions. You can choose up to four, plus a mail-order pharmacy, among which to compare costs. Your choices can make a difference. Some plans offer discounts at preferred pharmacies.
› When finished, click Done.
6: The search results page shows the number of plans available in your county. You can sort the list by monthly premium, deductibles and “drug + premium cost.” You’ll also see each plan’s overall star quality rating.
7: The Filter Plans button allows you to limit search results by star ratings, special needs plans, insurance carrier and plan benefits such as plans providing dental, vision, fitness, hearing or transportation.
› Click on Apply to see the results or Clear to return to the full list.
8: Scroll down to the blue Plan Details button for more specific benefits and costs of each plan, including an estimated yearly cost for care. Don’t miss your prescription drug costs and pharmacy cost comparisons at the bottom of this page. You also can compare key details of up to three plans by checking the “Add to compare” box near the Plan Details button.
9: Is your doctor in the plan’s network? The answer is not easy to come by, so here’s the best way to find out.
› First, click on Plan Details. Scroll down the resulting page to Benefits & Costs.
› Under Doctor Services, click on View Provider Network Directory. This should take you to the plan’s website, where you can search its list of covered doctors.
› You might have to look around a bit to find them. For instance, the AARP (United Healthcare) directory was on a different website.
If you find the online tool difficult to use If you’re having trouble with the online tool, you can contact the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program office at 800-722-4134. A volunteer can help.
Ad Choices