Longevity Sponsored Partner Content. Taking prescription medicine on a daily basis is a reality for many Americans. Over 3 billion prescriptions are filled in the United States each year. If you are in the process of choosing a health insurance plan, one of the main concerns you should have is choosing the best prescription drug coverage.
Whether you are looking at options for drug prescriptions in Medicare plans or privatized health insurance plans, you need to weigh all of your options. Rushing through this process may lead to you getting prescription drug coverage that doesn’t fit your particular needs.
The following are some things you should consider when trying to get the best prescription drug coverage.
Think About Your Long-Term Needs
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to choose prescription drug coverage is failing to see the big picture. Most people ignore the fact that their health could decline in the next few years. In some cases, these medical problems are unavoidable. If you have to take extremely expensive medication to get better, you need peace of mind knowing your health insurance will pay for the bulk of these costs.
One of the best ways to alter your prescription drug coverage is by utilizing the power and convenience of the open enrollment period. If your current health insurance plan isn’t providing you with the prescription drug coverage needed, making a change during this time is crucial. By doing this, you can choose a plan that addresses your prescription needs. The time you invest in looking at all the plans available during open enrollment will be worth it.
Get Familiar With Your Options
Many Americans use the Medicare program to get the health insurance coverage they need. The main thing you need to realize about Medicare is that you have two options when it comes to prescription drug coverage. The Medicare Part D plans will cover only the cost of the drugs. There are varying levels of coverage available in Part D plans. This is why you need to do some in-depth research before making a selection.
You can also get prescription drug coverage through Medicare Advantage plans. Many of the plans offered here will lump in drug coverage. It usually comes with a policy that covers the patient’s hospital and medical expenses. While you may have to pay a bit more for the Medicare Advantage plan, it is well worth it. Working with an experienced health insurance agent will allow you to get some guidance regarding the best policy options for your individual needs.
Make a List of the Existing Prescriptions You Have
Before you start your search for the right prescription drug coverage options, you will need to make a list of the medications you currently take. Any provider that offers Medicare Advantage and Part D plans will have to include a specific list of the prescription drugs they cover. By looking at this list, you can easily see whether a plan is the right fit.
You need to be aware that many of these plans have over tiered coverage. This tiered coverage usually offers lower prices on the generic versions of a particular medication. Using the generic option is a wise option because the medicine is the same. However, the price will be far lower. Cutting corners like this can help you save a lot of money over time.
Take the Total Cost of Your Prescription Cost Into Consideration
When looking at your health insurance options, you will notice that monthly premiums vary wildly from plan to plan. Generally, Part D plans have the lowest monthly premiums. This is why they are so popular. However, these lower-cost plans may not provide you with the prescription drug coverage you need.
Don’t just settle for the lowest monthly premium. Instead, you need to assess how much money you will have to spend out of pocket on your medications. In some cases, you will spend more on these low-cost premium plans than you would on a Medicare Advantage plan with a higher monthly premium. The more you know about the details of each health insurance plan at your disposal, the easier it will be to make the right decision.
Do Your Homework Before Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
Now that you know more about what to look for in regards to prescription drug coverage, it is time to get to work. Allowing an experienced health insurance agent to help during the policy selection process is crucial when trying to avoid mistakes.
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