Q: How do I compare Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans?
A: The Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) open enrollment period has begun and continues to December 7.
Review your Part D plan each year because plans and your needs change. Learn about Part D and find a plan at the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov . Clicking on the “Drug Coverage – Part D” link brings you to lots of information including a section to help compare available plans in each state.
You need a list of your medicines to compare plans. Spouses can choose different plans. Everyone currently enrolled in Medicare can purchase a Part D plan.
Unlike Medicare Part A (Hospital) or Part B (Medical), Part D coverage is sold through private insurers so shop for a plan that suits you best. Having a Medicare drug plan is voluntary and you pay an additional premium for coverage. Social Security employees cannot help you choose a plan.
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Separate from Part D plans, Social Security administers the Extra Help portion of Part D to help people with limited income and resources pay for part of monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.
Exceptions apply but, in general, to receive Extra Help resources must be limited to $13,640 for an individual or $27,250 for a married couple living together. Resources include items such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. Not counted is your home, car or life insurance policies. Annual income must be limited to $17,655 for an individual or $23,895 for a married couple living together. Even with higher income, you still may be able to get some help because Extra Help rules vary if you have earnings, support other family members or live in Alaska or Hawaii.
Complete an Extra Help application any time, not just during the Part D open season. Enrolling in a Part D plan is different from applying for the Extra Help. Applying for Extra Help does not enroll you in a drug plan. People having Medicare while also receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Extra Help and should not apply.
Extra Help details and an application are at www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/ . Apply online or call the SSA national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or your local office.
Based in Grand Forks, Howard I. Kossover is the Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Send general interest questions to him at howard.kossover@ssa.gov . Read his online articles at http://socialsecurityinfo.areavoices.com .
