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Computer Users' Guide to Comparing Part D Plans PDF Print E-mail
You or someone you know can compare Medicare Part D plans on the Medicare website. Have your Medicare card ready and the list of prescriptions you take, along with dosages. This search will take approximately 45 minutes. Here are steps to take (based on the Medicare website format at the time of this printing):
  1. Go to www.Medicare.gov and click on “Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.”
  2. Click on the first button at the bottom of the screen (“Find a Medicare prescription Drug plan”).
  3. Fill in your personal information in Section A, then choose “search plans.”
  4. Complete B and C and click on “continue” then “choose a drug plan type.” If you are looking for a health care plan as well as Rx coverage, check the box to include Advantage plans in Section C.
  5. Click on “search for Medicare prescription drug plans.”
  6. Click on “enter your medications” then put in your medications.  You can check the box that allows generic substitutions. Then use “change/update my drug dosage” to personalize your usage.  Update the entire drug name and dosage column; then make changes in the 30-day quantity column and click on “update.”
  7. You can click on “select my preferred pharmacy,” but be aware that some drug stores are not in the plan's network and this may cost you more.
  8. You'll see a page that lists plans, the least expensive first.  If you wish you can click on three plans for a side-by-side comparison.  
  9. To get details about drugs in any of the plans, choose “view cost details” in the drop down menu. Note any asterisks, which means there are limitations or step therapy (the plan can require trying a substitute drug first). Note whether your drug is on the plan's formulary (list of preferred drugs). If not, you may not be able to afford it.  To see the formulary and drug limitations information, click on “view drug details.”
  10. You can also call the plan to ask about formulary drugs. While the plan is not required to list formulary drugs over the phone, they are required to tell you whether the website has correct formulary information.
  11. You can enroll in a plan by phone or online.  Be sure that your current health care plan allows enrolling in the Part D plan you select. Some health care plans are allowed to dis-enroll you from health care coverage if you choose a Part D plan that is not part of their health coverage.
If you would like additional help with the Medicare website, call the Federation's Health Plan Information Center at 651/783-5045, toll-free 1-866/783-5045 or the Senior LinkAge Line™, 1-800/333-2433.  
Health Care Choices for MN Seniors