Factors to consider when renewing Medicare Part D or choosing a new plan (Part Two):

-Determine whether there are price differentials among pharmacies in the network or whether mail-order is allowed or required for a price differential. If so, what is the number of days covered in each prescription (Example: 30, 60, 90 days). Does the plan offer supplemental benefits for coverage in the donut hole, coverage for generic drugs only, and/or coverage for generic and brand name drug

-Determine how the plan coordinates with the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program. Who is the plan sponsor? Has the entity been in the community for a while? Is it reliable? If the individual has other insurance that covers prescription drugs through a Medicare HMO or other Medicare Advantage plan does the individual have to keep getting drug coverage through that plan if she wants to stay in that plan? If on a retiree health plan has the former employer told the individual whether the insurance is as good as or better than Medicare’s coverage for 2007? If it is creditable coverage, the individual may stay in that plan without getting a late penalty on the premium if he or she later decides to change to a Medicare drug plan. Employers may change the coverage they provide. Drug coverage that was creditable in 2006 may not be creditable in 2007. Some employers that offered creditable drug coverage in 2006 may want retirees to enroll in a Part D plan in 2007, and will subsidize some Part D costs.

-Through a Medigap (Medicare supplemental) policy. has the insurer told the individual whether the insurance is creditable coverage for 2007? If it is not, the individual will have to pay a late penalty on the premium if she keeps his or her Medigap drug coverage and later enrolls in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

-Individuals with coverage through the Veteran’s Administration, TRICARE, Federal Health Employee Benefit Plan, Railroad Retirement Board, Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), or Indian Health Service, may continue receiving prescription drug coverage through one of those plans if that coverage is as good as what is offered from Medicare prescription drug coverage