Drug Plan Check Up: Is your Drug Plan Still the Best Plan for You?
Author: Dan Hoelscher | Date: October 4, 2018 | Categories:

It’s annual enrollment…is your Part D drug plan still the best plan for you?

As most of us remember, there are some VERY important dates associated with Annual Enrollment.  As we discussed earlier in “Don’t set it and forget it” we don’t want to miss these dates.  There are several things that need to be done during annual enrollment but for now let’s focus on the Part D drug plan.  DON’T ASSUME THAT SINCE YOUR PLAN COVERED YOUR MEDICATIONS LAST YEAR THAT YOUR MEDICATIONS WILL BE COVERED THIS YEAR.  Yes, I know, it isn’t convenient that things change, but they do.  So please make sure you review your part D plan this annual enrollment.

For 2019 there will be more than 20 drug plans available in Ohio.  How in the world do you know which is best for you?  Well, there are several things to consider.  Your medications.  The plan’s formulary.  Your preferred pharmacy.  The plan’s preferred pharmacy.  The premium cost.  And so on…  You should have received the Annual Notice of Change for your current plan in late September so make sure you review it!   How do you know if your current plan is still the best plan for you in 2019?  Let’s face it, even if you try and do your homework this stuff is confusing!  As much as we would love to help everyone review their prescription drug plan for 2019, annual enrollment is just too busy for us.  We unfortunately can’t help with the Part D comparisons BUT there are people that can!    If you are still confused and unsure if you’re in the right plan for 2019, please call OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program) at 1-800-686-1578.  OSHIIP trained volunteers are happy to help.  Make sure you have your Medicare card and list of prescription drugs handy.  If you don’t want to make a phone call, check with your pharmacy and see if they will help you re-shop your plan.  Some pharmacies will assist with this process.  And of course, if you are internet savvy and comfortable doing the comparisons on your own, visit www.medicare.gov and shop it yourself.  Please click here for more information on comparing your plan online.   No matter which way you choose – please make sure you review your Part D drug plan this annual enrollment period starting October 15th through December 7th!

And, as always, if you still have questions, do not hesitate to give our office a call at 937-492-8800.

About the Author

Dan Hoelscher

Dan Hoelscher founded Seniormark in 2007 in an effort to help individuals make a successful transition into retirement. Dan is a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner and holds Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)© and Certified Kingdom Advisor™ certifications. Since founding Seniormark, Dan has helped thousands of retirees throughout Ohio.