Enrollment for Medicare Drug Plans Begins Again

Nov. 15 -- FRIDAY, Nov. 14 (HealthDay News) -- With the enrollment period for Medicare's Part D prescription drug coverage program for 2009 kicking off Nov. 15, experts are advising seniors to choose a plan carefully because premiums and covered medications can vary from plan to plan.

"As we enter the fourth year of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, we continue to see high satisfaction rates among beneficiaries and high participation among plans," Kerry Weems, acting administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said in a statement.

"However, plans do change their offerings from year to year. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. We encourage individual beneficiaries to review how their plans are changing and what other options are available to them to determine which plan best meets their needs," Weems said.

Paul Precht, director for policy and communications at the Medicare Rights Center, echoed that advice. "Probably the higher premiums will get some folks to look at their coverage options," he said.

"It's going to be tough for people. The premium increases are substantial," Precht added. "People are also seeing increases in the co-payments -- it comes at a tough time."

Medicare prescription drug coverage, sometimes called Part D, is insurance for seniors and some disabled people that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. Open enrollment for Part D runs until Dec. 31.

People who are satisfied with their current plan don't have to do anything to stay enrolled. But those in so-called standalone plans that only cover medications will see premiums increase by an average of $7.40 a month, from $29.89 in 2008 to $37.29 in 2009, according to Medicare officials.

Consumers should be smart when choosing a plan because premiums can vary widely, from $10.30 a month to as much as $136.80 a month. Most people should be able to find a plan in the lower premium range, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.