Find Medicare Part D Coverage

Medicare Caregivers Overview

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), there are over 44 million Americans, or more than one in five adults who provide unpaid care to a loved one. We have designed the tools to help caregivers (sons, daughters, friends, and professional caregivers) with the resources they need to make informed decisions for loved ones.

How can you help? Use our site to help a loved one enroll in Medicare. The free Medicare Part D plan comparison tool will help you estimate the total annual costs for Medicare coverage, including premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and more. Each of these costs varies by zip code and plan. In addition, estimated annual costs vary greatly based on the quantity and type of medication.

As a caregiver, what do I need to know?

As a caregiver, it is important that you are aware of Medicare programs so you can make decisions that will provide the best care at an affordable price. Here are a few questions to consider:

• How does Medicare work? Medicare is an insurance program sponsored by the government for people over the age of 65. Private health insurance companies compete to provide seniors with different Medicare options.
• What are their healthcare needs? It is helpful to understand the health needs of those in your care. A few of the most important factors include: preferred hospital and doctor, important contact information, and health finances.
• What's the difference between Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans and Prescription Drug Plans, and which one should I purchase? Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans or "MAPD" are plans that include Medicare Part A (Hospital), Part B (Doctor's office visits), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). MAPD is also known as Medicare Part C with prescription drug coverage. On the other hand, Medicare Part D plans or "PDP" are plans that only include prescription drug coverage. PDP plans do not include hospital or doctor office insurance (Medicare Part A and Part B). Seniors who purchase Medicare Part D only typically already have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and are satisfied with their coverage. One of the main advantages to an MAPD plan versus a PDP plan is that with MAPD, you receive all insurance benefits from one company. With PDP plans, you may receive Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) from one insurance company and Part D from another.

Caregivers (family members and professional caregivers) are welcome to use our Medicare Part D plan comparison tool to help enroll a senior in need. It's quick and easy to use. To get started, follow these simple steps:

• Collect the names and dosages of the person(s) being enrolled in the Medicare plan
• Enter the zip code of the person being enrolled in the Medicare plan
• Enter the complete list of drug(s) of the person being enrolled
• Click compare plans
• From the Plan Results, select the plan that meets the needs of the person being enrolled.
• Complete the Medicare application
• The enrollee should receive a packet or a letter from the plan within the next 10-14 business days.

Factors to Consider:

• Enrollment Period - The Medicare Open Enrollment period starts on 11/15 and ends on 12/31. All seniors are eligible to enroll or change plans during this period.
• What do I need to compare plans? - To compare plans, you need two items of information:
• Zip code of the Medicare beneficiary
• Drug list - List of all Medicare beneficiary drugs, including dosage amounts and quantity (e.g, Lipitor 10mg, quantity 30).
• "$4 Generics" - Many pharmacies offer low cost generic drug programs. Once you enroll the senior in a plan, be sure to check www.destinationrx.com to see if there is a generic equivalent for high-cost, branded drug options.



Medicare Part D Explained:

• What is Medicare?
• What is Medicare Part D?
• Should I enroll in Medicare Part D?
• Why should I compare or switch Medicare Part D plans?
• Is it safe to apply for Medicare Part D online?
• When can I apply or switch Medicare Part D plans?
• Medicare costs and coverage
• Medicare Part D caregivers support
• Employer / Group Retiree Medicare Part D coverage