THE BASIC PLAN

So what are the basics of Part "D"? The bill signed by President Bush is 411 pages long, and takes a CIA decoding team to understand. Do we dare try to summarize it on one page?

Since 2006, Medicare Part D offers some help with prescription drugs. The coverage is voluntary, handled by private insurance companies, and the monthly premium varies depending on how much coverage you have. You can get the part D benefit in a policy that is considered a "stand alone" (covers only drugs), or in a Medicare Advantage plan which incorporates Medicare Parts A, B, and D in one policy (and is sometimes called Medicare Part C).. For a more complete description of Part D, as well as other prescription drug  information and links, see, SeniorArk Main Medicare Page, Charts,  Fiasco, and the Donut Hole.

Under Medicare Part D, private insurance companies (Prescription Drug Plans, called PDPs, or existing Medicare Choice plans, which will be renamed Medicare Advantage plans) will enter into contracts with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide insurance for prescription drugs. The coverage and requirements, such as use of formulary drugs, under the plans will vary by region to reflect differences in provider costs and patient demo- graphics. In 2006, the premium averaged $35 a month ($420 a year) , and by 2008 this has gone over $40.

To assess what is best for you, talk with a senior representative in your state. There are folks employed to do this very thing. Or go to www.medicare.gov.

2008

For a very simple explanation of how the 2009 Part D Plan works, see:

Part D Guidelines for 2009