Don’t get confused by all the hype!
There are only 4 important factors…
- Which programs are available in Arizona and specifically your County? i.e.: Maricopa, Pima, Coconino, Pinal etc.
- Are your prescription drug on the drug list?
- Is a network Pharmacy located near you?
- Which plan fits in your budget?
1. Which programs are available in Arizona and in your county?
Not all programs are available everywhere. Don’t confuse yourself with programs that are not available to you.» Visit Our Resources Page
2. Are your prescription drug on the drug list?
Each plan has its own Prescription Drug List called a Formulary. Some plans use a “tiered” Formulary. This means that you will pay a different co-payment depending on which “tier” your prescription drug is found.
3. Is a network Pharmacy located near you?
The plans are “teamed” with private and chain pharmacies. These approved pharmacies are a part of the plans pharmacy network. Most of the National Medicare Part D plans have over 50,000+ Pharmacies participating in their networks, including most major chains. If you use a small/local pharmacy, please be sure that the pharmacy participates in the plan’s network. Most plans will also offer mail order prescriptions.
4. Which plan fits in your budget?
Naturally, we would all like the no deductible plan that covers all possible prescription drugs with no co-payment! If such a plan existed, it would be so expensive that no one could afford it.
Consider: the plan’s monthly premium
- does the plan have an initial $320 deductible (or is there first dollar coverage)?
- does the plan provide co-insurance (50% paid by beneficiary – 50% paid by the provider) or co-payment ($2 / $20 / $30 co-payments) or a combination?
- does the plan provide donut hole coverage?