What is the new Medicare Part D drug benefit?
A. Medicare is contracting with insurance companies, including Humana, to offer prescription drug plans (PDPs). The PDPs replace the drug discount cards. If you’re considering a PDP, please keep the following in mind: • Optional plan. A PDP is an option – not a requirement. However, if you don’t join a PDP when you become eligible, you’ll have to pay a higher premium if you join later. • Monthly premium. PDPs have a monthly premium in addition to the Medicare premium you already pay. However, some Medicare Advantage plans, including Humana’s, have a PDP included as a benefit without an additional monthly premium. • No overlap with Medicare Advantage. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, such as an HMO through a private insurance company, you may already have prescription drug coverage. If that’s the case, choosing the PDP isn’t necessary – in fact, getting the PDP would require you to drop your Medicare Advantage coverage. • Benefits and costs. PDP plan benefits vary, but c
