Top 5 Tips for Running a Medicare Drug Plan Comparison Online

During the Annual Enrollment Period, one of the options available to Medicare users is to enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Whether you call an agent to review your options or opt to look for plans yourself, we want to help you find a great plan option that meets your needs. That’s why we’re sharing our top 5 tips for running a Medicare Drug Plan comparison online.

Disclaimer: Medicare Allies is not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

How to run a plan comparison

The first thing we need to cover is how to run a Part D Drug Plan comparison. To run the comparison, you’ll want to follow this link to head over to the Medicare website.

There, you’ll have the option to either log in to your Medicare account or begin searching by ZIP code and plan type. Once you’ve filled out all the needed information, you’ll be directed to plan options in your area.

Our post exploring how to look up Medicare Advantage plans gives a step-by-step guide for how to use the search feature. Be sure to check it out for more details on each step of the comparison tool. Or, if you want to save yourself some hassle, you could use our first tip.

Tip #1: Get a Medicare.com account

Don’t feel like filling out all the boxes every time you look something up? Setting up a Medicare account before you get started can help simplify your experience.

Your account will save all the important details you’ll need to find a plan, which means you only have to add prescription information, preferred pharmacy locations, and any other details once.

It’ll save it for future searches as well. While you’re filling out that info, make sure you follow our second tip.

Tip #2: Gather your prescription information, including dosage and frequency information, before starting the paperwork

We’ve all had the experience of trying to remember prescription information while trying to fill out a form, whether it be at the doctor’s office or for insurance purposes. Save yourself the headache by grabbing all your prescriptions and having that information nearby. And, once you have it all filled out on your Medicare account, print it off and put it somewhere safe in case a loved one ever needs to know your prescription information in an emergency.  

When adding your prescriptions, make sure you’re adding dosage and frequency info. You may have a medication you only take occasionally (such as a rescue inhaler) or in the event of an emergency (like an EpiPen).

Knowing that those are not a cost you’ll have to worry about monthly will help you make a more informed choice about your coverage options. An occasional prescription costing more money is going to hurt your budget less than one you take every day.

Tip #3: Make sure you understand your plan’s Preferred Pharmacies

We all have a favorite pharmacy to get our prescriptions from. It could be the one closest to home, or where you get your groceries, or you could be like me and chose yours based on the drive thru feature.

But sometimes, your favorite might not be the best price possible (or even in your network). When looking at different drug plans, make sure you look at preferred pharmacies. See which pharmacies are covered and where can save you the most money.

An extra couple blocks is a small price to pay for potentially big savings.

Tip #4: Pay close attention to the Year Drug & Premium Costs section

When you’re reviewing plans, it can be easy to focus on the monthly premium costs only. After all, it’s the cost you’ll be dealing with the most often. However, this type of thinking can limit your understanding of the total plan offering. Your Yearly Drug & Premium Costs information paints a more complete picture of what a drug plan actually offers you.  

Your Yearly Drug & Premium Cost looks at the big picture, encompassing premiums, your prescription costs and your plan’s deductible. This gives you a more accurate idea of the costs you can expect for that plan in the upcoming year.

If you’re only looking at premium costs, you may not notice that your prescription costs may be higher than they would be with a plan with a slightly higher monthly premium. By looking at all costs involved, you’ll be able to identify which plan will ultimately work best for your circumstances.  

Tip #5: Reach out to a licensed insurance agent for help

Our final piece of advice is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

A licensed insurance agent has the experience and training to help you navigate your options and find a plan that will work for you. Here at Medicare Allies, our team can help you navigate plans and explore coverage options.

‍Check out our Appointment Calendar to schedule a meeting with a Licensed Insurance Agent today!  

Conclusion  

Researching and selecting a Part D Drug Plan can be confusing. Hopefully, with these simple tips, we can help make the process easier for you.

And if you ever have any coverage questions, feel free to reach out. We are always here to help!