- Apply for Extra Help. Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their prescription drugs. To qualify for Extra Help, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. You can apply for Extra Help online or by calling 1-800-318-2596.
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan that offers drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are private plans that offer both Part A and Part B coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer drug coverage. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan that offers drug coverage, you will not have to pay a separate Part D premium.
- Buy a separate Part D plan. If you do not qualify for Extra Help or do not want to join a Medicare Advantage plan, you can buy a separate Part D plan. Part D plans are private plans that offer prescription drug coverage. You can shop for Part D plans online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- Use a mail-order pharmacy. Mail-order pharmacies often offer lower prices on prescription drugs than retail pharmacies.
- Keep your retiree drug coverage. If you have retiree drug coverage, you may be able to keep it even if you’re enrolled in Medicare. This can be a good option if your retiree drug coverage is better than your Medicare Part D coverage.
- Check for State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). SPAPs are programs that help people with low-income pay for their prescription drugs. Each state has its own SPAP, so you’ll need to contact your state’s Department of Health to find out if you qualify.
- Ask your doctor about generic drugs. Generic drugs are usually much cheaper than brand-name drugs.
- Use a Discount Prescription coupon. Discount Prescription coupons can be used at many pharmacies to get discounts on prescription drugs.
If you have any questions about how to fill gaps in Part D coverage with Medicare Advantage or a different Medicare Part D plan, contact Ashford Insurance at 817-952-3153.
Photo by Marcus Aurelius
