Money in the Middle

Medicare Part D Covers Prescription Drugs

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans will cost about the same in 2011 as they did in 2010 according to information released yesterday by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).   

Good news for Medicare beneficiaries.  And good news for sandwich generation adult children who assist senior family members or aging parents with making Medicare plan selections. Maybe fewer will face the confusion of changing plans.   

But don’t assume the 2010 plan is still the best plan for your health care needs.  You’ll still want to shop and compare plans – and watch out for changes in the co-pays that can boost out-of-pocket expenses.     

This announcement marks the start of the Medicare shopping season also known as Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).  Medicare beneficiaries can change Part D and Medicare Advantage plans only from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 for plans effective in 2011.  You can’t do much with the information yet.  But come mid-October there will be specific plan information available on the government website so you’ll be able to compare you current plan with 2011 plans.  

Here’s the schedule leading up to AEP:   

September –Information about premium and benefits for each Part D and Medicare Advantage plan  

October – More detailed plan information is available so that you can begin comparing plans  

Nov. 15- Dec. 31 – applications for plans effective in 2011 can be accepted  

 Here’s the statement from Medicare on part D premiums for 2011.   

 “Most Medicare prescription drug plan premiums should remain relatively stable next year, and all beneficiaries should compare their coverage under their current plan with the plans that will be offered in 2011 when that information becomes available in October,” said Jonathan Blum, deputy administrator of CMS’ Center for Medicare. “The Affordable Care Act improves the value of drug coverage people with Medicare will receive next year, providing discounts on brand name drugs and coverage of generics in the coverage gap, or donut hole.”