California Health Insurance News 
Articles / Useful information about Medicare Part D now starting to emerge
10/07/2005
As more and more information emerges about Medicare Part D, Seniors have, at last, some reliable information on which to base their decision as to which plan to choose.
There are some vitally important tasks to be completed before a final decision is made.
These will make it a lot easier to analyze the various available plans and, in so doing, make a correct decision depending on the individuals' needs.
Below are some very useful tips from David Thau, CEO and Founder of 'Keep It Simple Insurance' who has dedicated his time to making things easier for seniors who he feels are being asked to make decisions about Medicare Part D, without sufficient data being available. As more information becomes available, he will be offering to share it on his website at www.keepitsimpleinsurance.com
These are some of the tips as to how to prepare for Medicare Part D:
Effective January 1st, Medicare will be offering insurance coverage for prescription drugs through Medicare prescription drug plans. These plans will help the individual save money on his or her prescription drug costs. In order to get this prescription coverage, the person must choose and enroll in a drug plan that meets their needs. But before doing so, the following should be researched:
i) Look over your current health insurance coverage and find out whether prescription drugs are covered, how much they cost and what your out of pocket costs are. Also, if you do not have a plan, what is the cost for those drugs at your nearby pharmacy.
ii) Make and keep a list of the name, dosage and cost of the prescriptions you use or think you might use in the future based on your current health, future health and family history. Since plans will cover different medications, this will help you choose a plan that meets your prescription needs.
iii) If you have prescription drug coverage through a former employer or union, check with your benefits administrator. Medicare prescription drug coverage may be different for you.
iv) If you have a limited income, check to see if you can get help paying for the prescription drug plan.
"If you don't use prescription drugs now, you still should consider a plan. As we get older, most people need prescriptions to stay healthy" says Thau, CEO and Founder of Keep It Simple Insurance. "For most people, if you join now you will pay a lower monthly premium than if you wait to join later."
