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Medicare Part D: What People With Cancer Need to Know About the Prescription Drug Benefit
Here is some information to help you decide whether to enroll in a Part D drug plan, and, if so, how to decide which plan is best for you. To choose the right plan you have to look carefully at your situation and the drugs you take. People with Medicare who are being treated for cancer or who are cancer survivors, have a number of special issues to think about. We've also included the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make sense of the choices you have through the Medicare drug coverage.
The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit: Part D
Part D coverage may help you lower your prescription drug costs and help protect you from higher costs in the future.
Special things people with cancer need to think about
In deciding whether to go with Medicare Part D and, if so, which Part D plan to join, cancer patients have some special things to think about.
Who should enroll in Medicare Part D?
Deciding whether Medicare Part D is right for you depends on your personal situation.
Making a Part D Plan decision
No matter where you live in the United States (including Puerto Rico), you have a wide range of choices.
Getting help to pay Medicare Part A and/or Part B premiums (the Medicare Savings Programs)
You may be able to get help paying for your Medicare coverage.
Formularies and drug coverage
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are required by law to cover a wide range of generic and brand-name drugs.
Where can I use my Part D drug coverage to fill my prescriptions?
Medicare requires each Part D drug plan to be sure that its Medicare enrollees have easy access to a local pharmacy that accepts the plan's insurance.
How much will the Part D drug plan cost?
All of the stand-alone Part D plans and most of the drug plans sold in connection with Medicare Advantage plans (MA-PDs) charge a premium for the drug benefit.
Things to know once you've chosen a Part D Drug Plan
After you have made a Part D drug plan choice, remember that things could change that may affect the coverage and cost of your drugs.
Switching drug plans in the future
Each year, you will be able to choose a new drug plan during the annual open enrollment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions most often asked by patients with cancer.
Where can I get more help?
The Medicare drug benefit can seem complex and confusing, particularly to those with special needs, like people with cancer. There are many places you can go for help.
References
Related Tools & Topics
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Circle Of Sharing: Personalize Your Cancer Information  
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