AARP advises seniors to closely examine Part D options

Open enrollment for Medicare continues through Dec. 31, according to AARP Arizona.

During open enrollment, people in Medicare have the option to add, drop or change prescription drug and health-care plans for 2010. 

“Now is the time to compare current Medicare drug and health plans with others that are available and choose the one that best fits your needs,” said David Mitchell, state director of AARP Arizona.

A new AARP Public Policy Institute analysis of 2010 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans found a majority of the most popular national plans have increased premiums and cost-sharing for next year.

The report finds that more plans will require co-payments of close to $100 for some brand name drugs.  Other plans will require enrollees to pay a percentage of their drugs’ prices — instead of fixed co-payments — for all medicines except generics.

One popular national plan will charge different amounts depending on which pharmacies its customers use.

“Rising prescription drug costs push premiums and cost-sharing higher, even seniors who are happy with their current coverage should look for any changes to their 2010 plan,” Mitchell added.  “Now is the time to consider coverage options and find a plan that best fits your needs and budget, in addition to talking with your doctor about lower-cost medicines that may be right for you.”

AARP encourages older Americans shopping for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage to use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov.  This online tool finds plans based on a person’s location and current medications.