Turning 65 Email 3 of 5 — The Part D Check: Don't Let Your Prescriptions Surprise You
Internal note (delete before sending): Email 3 of 5. Send about 7 days after signup. Suggested subject: The Part D check most people skip. Preview text: Five minutes now can save real money.
Hello {{first_name}},
Prescription coverage is the piece of Medicare people most often underestimate. Here is a short checklist.
1. Know whether you need Part D
If you pick a Medicare Advantage plan, drug coverage is usually built in. With Original Medicare, you add a standalone Part D plan. Going without creditable drug coverage can trigger a lifetime late enrollment penalty: generally 1% of the national base premium for each full month you went without coverage after your IEP ended. If you have drug coverage from an employer or union, ask the plan administrator whether it is “creditable” and keep the notice.
2. Check each plan’s formulary
Every plan has its own list of covered drugs and puts them into cost tiers. For each prescription you take, confirm:
- Is it covered?
- Which tier is it on, and what is the copay or coinsurance?
- Are there restrictions such as prior authorization, step therapy or quantity limits?
3. Check your pharmacy
Preferred pharmacies usually cost less. Confirm that your pharmacy is in the plan’s network and whether it is “preferred.”
4. Look at total yearly cost, not just the premium
A plan with a low premium can have a high deductible or high-tier copays. Add up premium plus estimated drug costs for the year.
5. Recheck every year
Formularies and costs change each year. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is your chance to review.
What to gather
Make a list of every medication: name, dose, how often, and your pharmacy. We will run the comparison with you.
Next time: what to bring to a call with us.
Questions? Call 503-832-8555 or book a free consultation.
Warm regards, Rodney Cummings Legacy Wealth Services
Legacy Wealth Services is an independent insurance agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Drug coverage, formularies and penalties are subject to change. This message is educational and is not individualized advice.