CAMDEN — From Oct. 15 until Dec. 7, Medicare recipients will have an opportunity to compare plans during the Medicare Drug Plan - or “Part D” - open enrollment.
According to an announcement released by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas, drug plans change yearly, which means that drug costs change every year. Because plans and costs change annually, it is important for Medicare recipients to check their plan for the coming year.
The Medicare website has the 2017 plans available for comparison now, but enrollment cannot be completed until Oct. 15.
Medicare.gov states that each Medicare prescription drug plan has its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary.
Many of the plans place drugs into different tiers on their formularies. Drugs in each tier have a different cost. A drug in a lower tier will generally cost less than a drug in a higher tier. In some cases, if a drug is on a higher tier and the prescriber thinks you need that drug instead of a similar drug on a lower tier, the plan holder or prescriber can ask Medicare for an exception to get a lower co-payment.
Medicare plans can be checked by using the Medicare plan finder at www.medicare.gov or by calling the Area Agency on Aging to make an appointment for help. Individuals will be seen by appointment only and must have all of their medications and proof of income with them.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the Area Agency on Aging at 870-234-7410 or 1-800-272-2127.