Ask the Pharmacist: Expert Advice for Navigating Medicare Part D Enrollment.

Feb 18, 2014 | Miscellaneous

If you’re confused about health care reform and Medicare you’re not alone.  Thousands of Americans are looking for answers too.

A new survey from Express Scripts titled “Fifty States of Confusion,” confirms that seniors are misinformed about how leath care reform will impact their Medicare benefits.

“It’s worrisome; one-in-five seniors think they’ll be able to enroll in health or prescription drug plan through a public health insurance exchange,” says Paul Reyes, an Express Scripts’ pharmacist and host of Ask the Pharmacist radio series.  “These exchanges are part of the Affordable Care Act, but are only for uninsured people under the age of 65.”

Although Medicare Part D has been around since 2006, with some states offering upwards of 36 different plans, the survey revealed that 60 percent of seniors still think that choosing the right Medicare plan is confusing.  And with more than half of seniors falsely believing they’ll be paying more for their prescriptions drugs as a result of health care reform, they are taking matters into their own hands.

“Seniors are skipping doctor’s appointments, delaying medication refills and skipping medication doses,” say Reyes.  “These misconceptions may not only cost seniors, but could also lead to decisions that may be bad for their health.”

Whether you are preparing to enroll into Medicare Part D plan or you’re helping a family member or friend, Reyes provides some tips to simplify the process.

1.  Know the basics:  You are eligible for Medicare Part D when you turn 65.  Each year during the Annual Enrollment Period, it’s smart to review your current prescription drug plan and compare it against other available plans in your area. Plan details and your healthcare & prescription needs can change, and you might just find a better option. Enrollment for 2014 has ended, unless you’re turning 65 this year. The next Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 through December 7, 2014, for coverage to begin January 1, 2015.

2.  Do your homework:  Consider the premium, deductible and co-pays when assessing the overall cost of the plan.  Make sure that the drugs you need to take are on the plan’s formulary (the list of covered medications).  Also, look at the plan’s network of pharmacies.   Some plans, like the Express Scripts Medicare Choice Plan, offer a preferred pharmacy network, which would save you money.

3.  Care and convenience:  Consider a plan with round-the-clock pharmacist access to help you get the support you need and the savings you want from your plan.  Pharmacists can identify shortcuts to help you stick to your treatment regimen and avoid potentially harmful drug interactions.

4.  Making the most of your Medicare dollars:  To achieve the most valuae from your Part D plan, make sure to take your medications as prescribed, use generic medications when clinically appropriate, ask about home delivery and take advantage of the free preventative screening and vaccinations under Medicare Part B.

To help seniors and caregivers make informed decisions Express Scripts’ developed a consumer eGuide titled “Navigating Medicare and Reform: A Roadmap for Seniors and Caregivers,” available at www.roadmapformedicare.com.  Seniors can also visit www.medicare.gov to learn more about the available Medicare Part D plans in their region.

 

 

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