1. Start now by setting up an appointment with a trained Medicare benefits counselor through your Area Agency on Aging - You can get unbiased help in selecting the best supplemental health and drug plans at no charge.  The number of your local Area Agency on Aging is in your local phone book - or call the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 for the agency nearest you. I recommend doing this even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, in case there are upcoming changes that may affect you next year.
   
2. Gather all your prescriptions.  Your counselor will need a complete list of all the prescriptions you are now taking.  Very important! Carefully print the information including name of drug, dosage such as (mgs) and the number you take every day or month.  Accuracy is a must.
   
3. Compare the overall costs of paying a deductible versus no deductible.  Once your prescriptions are entered into the Medicare Drug Plan Finder along with your zip code, you will receive a list of plans in your area sorted by cost. Don’t be put off if you learn there’s a deductible.  Many times (but not always) you save by paying a little up front.
   
4. ALWAYS check the extra details about each plan you consider.  Many of the plans have restrictions, or even require prior authorization for prescriptions, even though your drug is supposed to be covered.  If you take several drugs, sometimes it’s worth paying a little more to get a plan that doesn’t have so many restrictions.  Check your current plan to see if there are any pending changes for the drugs you currently take.
   
5. Consider coverage for the doughnut hole coverage gap, especially if you have (retail) drug costs of $150 per month or more now.  Your benefits counselor can help you determine whether the higher premium you would have to pay for a plan that offers coverage for the gap offers worthwhile savings.  Some do, others aren’t worth it - it all depends on the specific drugs you take.
   
6. Look into the lower costs of using mail order.  If you take the same prescriptions every month, you can often save significantly by using mail order prescription services.  In addition, should you have health problems that prevent you from driving, your prescriptions continue to come right to you.

If you have access to the Internet you can find the Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800- Medicare (1-800-633-4227).

October 2006