• Check the plan formularies to figure out which plans cover all or most of your drugs

• Check how the formulary tiers affect what you have to pay

• Compare the plan premiums and other cost-sharing requirements (such as deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays)

• Check for drug conditions or restrictions, such as limits, prior authorization, and step therapy requirements

• Check whether you qualify for the low income subsidy

• Find out which of your cancer drugs are still covered under Part B

• Understand how off-label drug uses are treated under Part D

• Understand your appeal rights

• Check to see if the plans offer any drug coverage (brand name or generic) in the coverage gap ("donut hole")

• Check with your doctor to see if you can substitute a generic drug for a brand name drug to reduce what you must pay. Some plan formularies may cover the generic version of a drug, but not the brand name drug.

Last Medical Review: 10/23/2008
Last Revised: 10/23/2008