- The free enrollment period is three months before and three months after the 65th birthday, or three months before and after 26 weeks of cash disability payments. Every year between November 15th and December 31st a person can change plans for the following year.
- Every plan must meet the standards required by the government. The maximum deductible is $295 in 2009. After prescription costs total $2700 in 2009, the insured is responsible for all costs until costs equal $4350. Then the insured is responsible for 5 percent and the plan pays 95 percent until the end of the year.
- Types of drugs covered varies by plan. Using the formulary finder at www.medicare.com will help determine which plan will best meet your needs.
- A tool that will help determine if or when an insured will encounter the doughnut hole can be found at http://doughnuthole.aarp.org.
- Premiums for prescription drug plans vary according to plan benefits and features. Part D may be included as part of a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or offered separately.
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