Experts say only 10% of people enrolled in Medicare Part D choose the plan that saves them the most money. On the Medicare website (www.medicare.gov), there's a tool called the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder. It can help you find the plan that's best for you, based on the medicines you take and where you live. You just enter your zip code and the drugs you take to get a list of plans, along with their premiums and other information. If you don't have computer access, ask a friend or relative to help you. Or call Medicare (1-800-Medicare) for help. Some pharmacies have similar tools, so consider asking your pharmacist for help. Keep reading for more important information and more resources to help you choose the best plan...

Cost and Coverage

Plans offer many options. A few things to consider...

* Cheaper plans typically have higher co-pays or deductibles, and might be best for those with low prescription drug costs.
* The average monthly premium will be $28, a little more than in 2008.
* The average yearly deductible has increased from $275 to $295. Some plans have no deductible, but they usually cost more.
* Some plans cover generic phenobarbital and benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Restoril, Xanax, and others). These medications are usually excluded, but lots of people use them.

The Donut Hole

The coverage gap or "donut hole" is when your prescription drug costs, including what you have paid and what your insurance has paid, are more than $2,700. Once you reach this limit, you must pay $3,453.75 of your own money before your plan will pay for your prescriptions again.

* Some plans pay for prescriptions, mostly generics only, during the donut hole.
* Plans that continue to pay in the donut hole usually cost more. In 2009, the premiums for these plans will start at under $50 per month.

To keep out of the donut hole, ask for lower-priced drugs and use generic drugs when you can. Ask your pharmacist for help in reducing your drug costs.

You may be able to get extra help from Medicare and other government organizations if your assets and household income are below a certain amount.

If you fall into the donut hole:

* Continue to use your Medicare prescription drug if you want your spending to count toward your total to get out of the donut hole.
* States, pharmacies, and drug companies may offer help paying for your prescriptions. Of these, only money from state assistance programs counts toward your total to get out of the donut hole.

While it is ideal to use only one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions, this isn't always possible. If you get your prescriptions from more than one pharmacy, be sure to keep a COMPLETE list of your medicines to share with all pharmacies you visit. This way the pharmacist can check for drug interactions and make sure your medicines can be taken together safely.

If I'm happy with my plan now, what should I do?

If you're happy with your current plan, don't do anything. You'll automatically be re-enrolled. Keep in mind that your plan may change for 2009. You will get information on plan changes (Annual Notice of Change) in the mail by the end of October. Look to see if your premium, deductible, co-pays, or donut hole coverage have changed. Make sure the medications you take are still covered by your plan in 2009.

Dates to remember if you want to enroll or switch plans:

* Open enrollment begins November 15th.
* Open enrollment ends on December 31st.
* Changes begin January 1st.

This article provided by www.pharmacistsletter.com