Previously: In the first two posts in this series, Phase I: The Prescription Drug Deductible, and Phase 2: The Initial Coverage Period, I reviewed how Medicare Part D drug plan benefits reset each January 1, how Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may include a deductible amount to be paid before any medications are covered […]
In my previous post, Phase I: The Prescription Drug Deductible, I covered how Medicare Part D drug plan benefits reset each January 1. The post also described how a plan deductible amount may apply to any or only a specified group of medications. For many, depending on whether your January refills were affected by the […]
It’s early January which means Medicare Prescription Drug payment phases have just reset. And I hear this question: “Dan, I just went to refill my medication and the pharmacist quoted me a co-pay almost double what I paid in December.” Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1. What that means […]
This year’s Medicare October 15 through December 7 AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) was a busy time for me and I’m grateful for the scores of individuals and couples who permitted me to help with their 2018 Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription drug plan selection. Still, as I am fielding calls for help […]
Q: “Dan, I just received a letter stating I will have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty next year for not having a drug plan during the months of February through December, 2017. What’s this all about?” A: “Sam, after you turned 65 in October 2016 you had individual coverage with prescription drug […]
On November 17, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2018 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs. [Link to press release.] Medicare Part B Premiums The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $134 for 2018, the same amount […]
Albany Medical Center and Physicians Aetna and Albany Medical Center announced that the two organizations have signed a new contract that results in an expansion of Aetna’s current Medicare Advantage network to include Albany Medical Center and its employed physicians. Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans Aetna offers HMO and Local PPO Medicare Advantage products throughout […]
Only a fraction of the nearly 3 million New York State residents aged 65 and older are enrolled in the state’s pharmaceutical assistance program known as New York EPIC. When I meet with New York Medicare Part D clients, I ask if their individual income is below the $75,000 threshold, $100,000 if married. If so, […]
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, is upon us. So Sybil, from New York’s Capital Region area, asked me to review whether her Medicare Part D prescription drug plan was the best fit for her three generic and one brand name medications. After doing some research, I met […]
A few months ago Argie, my Medicare client, called asking whether her Medicare Advantage plan with $0 copay for preventative screening included a recent alternative to a colonoscopy. I hadn’t heard of this procedure and don’t like to guess so we both did some research. We learned, yes, since Medicare recognized this new screening as […]