Key Questions that the Landscape will answer for you.

Read this section to find out how the Landscape will answer the questions you have about each plan, including how much the plan costs and the kind of coverage it offers. To help you better understand this information, each column is described in the next section on how to read the landscape of local plans.  

I'm pretty healthy, so why should I get this coverage if I don't take any drugs now?

For most people, November 15-December 31 is the only chance to join a plan for coverage during 2009. Even if you don't use any prescriptions now, you should consider Medicare prescription drug coverage for peace of mind and to limit your late enrollment penalty. The Landscape of Local Plans can help you look for a plan with zero or low monthly premiums for drug coverage. If you need prescriptions in the future, all plans still must cover drugs in all categories. This means you will have some drug coverage for any health problems you might face in the future.

I want to get the same plan as my spouse. What plans are available in my area?

The Landscape of Local Plans lets you see all of the Medicare prescription drug plans by state or Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage by county.

I take a lot of prescriptions. What should I do?

In some plans, if your costs reach an initial coverage limit, then you pay 100% of your prescription costs until you spend a certain amount. This is called the coverage gap. If you have high drug costs, the Landscape will help you identify which plans offer additional coverage once you reach this coverage gap. You will find this information in the last column of the charts.

I'm figuring out my budget for next year. How much do the plans cost?

Each plan on the Landscape will list the monthly premium to join that plan. If you are interested in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will be able to see the amount of the total premium, including drug coverage, and the amount of the drug coverage alone. The Landscape will also tell you what the deductibles are for each plan. Remember, if you have limited income and have qualified for Extra Help from Medicare with your drug coverage costs, you will pay none, or only a small part, of the premium that is shown.

My budget is pretty tight from month to month. What should I do?

The Landscape of Local Plans can help you look for a plan with zero or low monthly premiums and plans with a deductible less than $295 so that you can find one that meets your needs. If you have limited income and resources, you should also apply for Extra Help from Medicare with your drug coverage costs. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov for details.

I take the same three drugs every day. How do I know if they are covered?

It's important to know if your drugs are covered, and how much you will pay to have those prescriptions filled. Every plan has a detailed "formulary" that shows the specific drugs that the plan covers. Although this is too much information to include on the Landscape, you can visit the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder to find out which plans cover the drugs you take.

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