First, let’s state the obvious — the rising cost of prescription medications can be troublesome. However, there’s some good news for individuals on Medicare: Having Medicare drug coverage (Part D) — the program that provides prescription drug benefits through a number of qualified private plans across the country —helps with those expenses.
Although prescription drug plans vary all across the board depending on where you live; they all provide a standard amount of coverage set by Medicare. Every plan offers a broad choice of brand name and generic drugs at local pharmacies or through mail order. For a higher premium, some plans will cover more drugs than others or offer a wider selection of pharmacies. So, you’ll want to choose the plan that best suits your health needs and budget.²
There are several ways to get Medicare drug coverage if you don’t already have it. You can start the process by visiting Medicare.gov/plan-compare to find and compare plans in your area.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
Like many people, you may already have prescription drug coverage under another type of plan, e.g., through a Medicare Advantage program, private health insurance such as Medigap, or a current or former employer’s health plan.
If you’re covered under an employer or union plan, it’s important to call your benefits administrator before making any changes or signing up for different coverage. By signing up with another plan, you could jeopardize your employer or union health and prescription drug coverage for you and your dependents. Once you lose that coverage you may not be able to get it back. You’ll also want to ask how Medicare drug coverage works or coordinates with other plan options you may have in mind.²
JOINING, SWITCHING, OR DROPPING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
There are certain times designated for making changes pertaining to a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. You can join a plan, switch plans, or drop a plan during the following periods:
As a general rule, participants stay enrolled in their plans for the entire calendar year. However, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when certain events happen in your life, such as moving to another state or losing your insurance coverage. Under such circumstances, you may be able to make changes to your plan if you qualify.²
INCOME AFFECTS WHAT YOU PAY FOR PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE
Your plan costs and coverage can change each year and will vary depending on the plan you choose. You may have to pay a premium, deductible, copayments, or coinsurance throughout the year.
Most plans charge a monthly premium that’s paid in addition to what you pay for Medicare Part B. If you’re covered under a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Cost Plan with drug coverage, your monthly premium may include your drug coverage as well.
It is important to note, however, that if you have a higher income, you might have to pay more for your Medicare or Medicare Advantage prescription drug coverage. If your income is above $87,000 as an individual or $174,000 as married and filing jointly, you’ll pay an extra amount in addition to your plan premium. This is often referred to as “Part D-IRMAA.” If you don’t pay the extra amount then you could lose your drug coverage and may not be able to enroll in another plan right away.²
As you’ve probably discovered, Medicare and Social Security rules can be quite complex. If your income falls within this range, and before you make any decisions, it’s in your best interest to visit www.ssa.gov for more information and to take advantage of online services and calculation tools. Or, you can speak to a representative by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or at 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you’re deaf or hearing impaired.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Feeling confident that you’re financially prepared for the potential impact of the decisions surrounding selection of your Medicare benefits during your retirement years is important. Commerce Trust will listen to your concerns and talk with you regarding any current or future financial issues that may require adjustments to your portfolio and retirement plan. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your financial well-being down the road.
¹ Source: Juliette Cubanski, Anthony Damico, and Tricia Neuman, Kaiser Family Foundation, “10 Things to Know About Medicare Part D Coverage and Costs in 2019,” https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicare-part-d-coverage-and-costs-in-2019/, published June 4, 2019.
² Source: “Medicare and You: 2021,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS Product No. 10050-16, September 2020.
The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of March 02, 2021. This summary is intended to provide general information only, and may be of value to the reader and audience.
This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such.
Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.
Commerce
NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK GUARANTEE
Although prescription drug plans vary all across the board depending on where you live; they all provide a standard amount of coverage set by Medicare. Every plan offers a broad choice of brand name and generic drugs at local pharmacies or through mail order. For a higher premium, some plans will cover more drugs than others or offer a wider selection of pharmacies. So, you’ll want to choose the plan that best suits your health needs and budget.²
There are several ways to get Medicare drug coverage if you don’t already have it. You can start the process by visiting Medicare.gov/plan-compare to find and compare plans in your area.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
Like many people, you may already have prescription drug coverage under another type of plan, e.g., through a Medicare Advantage program, private health insurance such as Medigap, or a current or former employer’s health plan.
If you’re covered under an employer or union plan, it’s important to call your benefits administrator before making any changes or signing up for different coverage. By signing up with another plan, you could jeopardize your employer or union health and prescription drug coverage for you and your dependents. Once you lose that coverage you may not be able to get it back. You’ll also want to ask how Medicare drug coverage works or coordinates with other plan options you may have in mind.²
JOINING, SWITCHING, OR DROPPING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
There are certain times designated for making changes pertaining to a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. You can join a plan, switch plans, or drop a plan during the following periods:
- Initial Enrollment Period. You can join a plan when you are first eligible for Medicare coverage.
- Open Enrollment Period. You can join a plan, switch plans, or drop a plan from October 15 through December 7 of each calendar year (requests must be received by the plans by the December 7 deadline). Your coverage will begin on January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Each year from January 1 through March 31, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch once to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or Original Medicare. If you switch to the Original Medicare Plan, you’ll need to join a separate Medicare prescription drug plan.
As a general rule, participants stay enrolled in their plans for the entire calendar year. However, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when certain events happen in your life, such as moving to another state or losing your insurance coverage. Under such circumstances, you may be able to make changes to your plan if you qualify.²
INCOME AFFECTS WHAT YOU PAY FOR PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE
Your plan costs and coverage can change each year and will vary depending on the plan you choose. You may have to pay a premium, deductible, copayments, or coinsurance throughout the year.
Most plans charge a monthly premium that’s paid in addition to what you pay for Medicare Part B. If you’re covered under a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Cost Plan with drug coverage, your monthly premium may include your drug coverage as well.
It is important to note, however, that if you have a higher income, you might have to pay more for your Medicare or Medicare Advantage prescription drug coverage. If your income is above $87,000 as an individual or $174,000 as married and filing jointly, you’ll pay an extra amount in addition to your plan premium. This is often referred to as “Part D-IRMAA.” If you don’t pay the extra amount then you could lose your drug coverage and may not be able to enroll in another plan right away.²
As you’ve probably discovered, Medicare and Social Security rules can be quite complex. If your income falls within this range, and before you make any decisions, it’s in your best interest to visit www.ssa.gov for more information and to take advantage of online services and calculation tools. Or, you can speak to a representative by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or at 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you’re deaf or hearing impaired.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Feeling confident that you’re financially prepared for the potential impact of the decisions surrounding selection of your Medicare benefits during your retirement years is important. Commerce Trust will listen to your concerns and talk with you regarding any current or future financial issues that may require adjustments to your portfolio and retirement plan. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your financial well-being down the road.
¹ Source: Juliette Cubanski, Anthony Damico, and Tricia Neuman, Kaiser Family Foundation, “10 Things to Know About Medicare Part D Coverage and Costs in 2019,” https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicare-part-d-coverage-and-costs-in-2019/, published June 4, 2019.
² Source: “Medicare and You: 2021,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS Product No. 10050-16, September 2020.
The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of March 02, 2021. This summary is intended to provide general information only, and may be of value to the reader and audience.
This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such.
Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.
Commerce
NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK GUARANTEE
