Medicare Part D

[Acura-TL & Rx]

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Anyone out there know any more info about Medicare Part D?

What you like or dislike about this new prescription program?

Do you think that Medicare Part-D may be just too complicated and that our beloved seniors will have a hard time deciding what's being offer by the Medicare Part D? Note that if our patients dont chose the plan, then the government will do it for them (which may or may not be beneficial to the patients).

P.S.: To moderators: I don't know whether to put this thread in the pre-pharmacy or pharmacy. Please move it accordingly.

 

[dgroulx]

Anyone out there know any more info about Medicare Part D?

What you like or dislike about this new prescription program?

Do you think that Medicare Part-D may be just too complicated and that our beloved seniors will have a hard time deciding what's being offer by the Medicare Part D? Note that if our patients dont chose the plan, then the government will do it for them (which may or may not be beneficial to the patients).

P.S.: To moderators: I don't know whether to put this thread in the pre-pharmacy or pharmacy. Please move it accordingly.

I've had to learn about it in several of my classes. We are given a case with a list of meds, we optimize his/her drug therapy then choose a plan that fits.

Seniors may find it complicated because they are getting bombarded with information. It's really pretty straight forward. This is an opportunity for us to get out there and help. Set up a seminar at a senior center or the rec hall in a retirement community.

 

[off2skl]

I think it's going to be difficult for many seniors to determine if the plan will be beneficial for them (based on their prescription cost, income and taking into account their premiums and copays). Also, I have a feeling that once someone reaches that "doughnut hole" those of us in retail will ber hearing A LOT of complaining from people who didn't understand or simply forgot about it.

 

[Acura-TL & Rx]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Medicare Part D. As for me, I think that it's only good for those patients that can't afford medication fees and are taking a lot of it. Part D will give the patient much more affordable copays ($1 for generic and $3 for Brand). However, there is a $250 deduct and then like OFF2SKL mentioned there's this "doughnut hole" that they will face. I guess overall, the patient will get a lower copays but most important of all the patients will get the best care from their pharmacists (MTM). In return, pharmacists get reimbursement for their services.

Let me know what's your thoughts on Medicare Part D. What about Plan B going OTC? How do you feel about that? Any comments?

 

[dgroulx]

The donut hole can be avoided with certain plans. If you have a lot of meds, you could choose Aetna Premier. It has a $58 monthly premium, but no deductibles to meet. Your copays are $2 generic/$20 preferred brand/$40 non-preferred brand. When you hit the donut hole, your generics are still $2 and preferred brands are $40. You only pay 100% on non-preferred brands. After $3,600 in drug cost, you're back to $2 generic and $5 for all brands or 5% of drug cost (whichever is greater).

 

[Acura-TL & Rx]

The donut hole can be avoided with certain plans. If you have a lot of meds, you could choose Aetna Premier. It has a $58 monthly premium, but no deductibles to meet. Your copays are $2 generic/$20 preferred brand/$40 non-preferred brand. When you hit the donut hole, your generics are still $2 and preferred brands are $40. You only pay 100% on non-preferred brands. After $3,600 in drug cost, you're back to $2 generic and $5 for all brands or 5% of drug cost (whichever is greater).

Thanks for the comment. Where did you get all of these info? Any link? I just want to read more about it. Thanks

 

[dgroulx]

Thanks for the comment. Where did you get all of these info? Any link? I just want to read more about it. Thanks

For Aetna's plan, you just go to aetnamedicare.com (I think). Medicare.gov should have a list of plans with their websites. Just take some time and look them over.