The prescription drug landscape can seem complex,
Now is a great time to start thinking about your health and budget needs for the upcoming year. To learn about UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans in your area, visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.
This story is paid for by an advertiser. Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
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5 ways a Medicare Advantage plan can help save on prescription drugs
By: UnitedHealthcare
Find Rx savings with simple tips.
Here are five areas
where your plan and prescription drug coverage can help you save:
With rising prices on everything from groceries to gasoline, many people are reconsidering their spending habits and searching for any way to save money — particularly older adults living on a fixed income.
But one area where you don’t want to compromise is your health, especially as you age. And the good news is your Medicare Advantage plan is set up to help you save in ways you might not expect, including on your prescription drug costs.
Many people are surprised to find out that Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. For help with the cost of medications, you can choose a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.
With Medicare Annual Enrollment running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 — the yearly window when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage — now is a good time to arm yourself with information to help you find a plan best suited to your health needs and budget.
1 | Your drugs
Prescription drug plans can vary significantly. Each plan has a list of covered drugs, called a formulary. So, when you are considering a Medicare Advantage or standalone Part D plan, be sure your medications are covered. Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your drugs will still be covered next year, as plans can change from year to year.
2 | Your pharmacy
Most plans with Part D drug coverage have a network of pharmacies. People can typically get their drugs for a lower copay when using a network pharmacy. Make sure the plan you choose offers access to pharmacies that are convenient for you. Some plans also have mail-order pharmacy benefits, and you can get prescriptions delivered to your home for a lower cost than purchasing from a retail location.
3 | Your total costs
Plans sort drugs into several tiers, with generic or lower-tier drugs generally costing less than drugs on higher tiers. Talk to your doctor about whether a lower-tier drug might be suitable for you, which could help you save money.
4 | Your unique needs
5 | Your tools
Whether you are battling specific severe or disabling chronic conditions and are eligible to enroll in a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP), or perhaps your financial situation qualifies you for a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), it’s important to find a plan that meets your health and drug coverage needs.
For example, UnitedHealthcare members enrolled in C-SNPs in 2023 will have access to eight prescriptions on a lower drug tier and lower copays for covered insulin, helping to manage their chronic conditions, like diabetes or chronic heart failure, with low-to-no out-of-pocket costs. And nearly all UnitedHealthcare D-SNP members will have $0 copays on covered drugs, helping keep out-of-pocket costs in check.
Lastly, don’t navigate your drug coverage alone. Take advantage of your plan’s many tools and resources available to help. It’s never a bad idea to simply call your health plan, or your agent, to see if there are other ways to save that you might not be aware of; people are ready to help!
Online tools can also assist. Within UnitedHealthcare’s member website, the Rx Marketplace enables members to compare drug prices, manage refills and have orders delivered to their home or picked up at a convenient pharmacy.
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This story is paid for by an advertiser. Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
STORY FROM
By: UnitedHealthcare
Plans sort drugs into several tiers, with generic or lower-tier drugs generally costing less than drugs on higher tiers. Talk to your doctor about whether a lower-tier drug might be suitable for you, which could help you save money.
Whether you are battling specific severe or disabling chronic conditions and are eligible to enroll in a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP), or perhaps your financial situation qualifies you for a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), it’s important to find a plan that meets your health and drug coverage needs.
For example, UnitedHealthcare members enrolled in C-SNPs in 2023 will have access to eight prescriptions on a lower drug tier and lower copays for covered insulin, helping to manage their chronic conditions, like diabetes or chronic heart failure, with low-to-no out-of-pocket costs. And nearly all UnitedHealthcare D-SNP members will have $0 copays on covered drugs, helping keep out-of-pocket costs in check.
Lastly, don’t navigate your drug coverage alone. Take advantage of your plan’s many tools and resources available to help. It’s never a bad idea to simply call your health plan, or your agent, to see if there are other ways to save that you might not be aware of; people are ready to help!
Online tools can also assist. Within UnitedHealthcare’s member website, the Rx Marketplace enables members to compare drug prices, manage refills and have orders delivered to their home or picked up at a convenient pharmacy.
Read more
Additionally, a low monthly premium plan doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the lowest cost plan. You should also understand the other out-of-pocket expenses, including if the plan has an annual deductible and drug copays.
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There is good news for Medicare beneficiaries due to the Inflation Reduction Act designed to help drive lower drug costs. Among other aspects, the legislation helps protect Medicare recipients from catastrophic drug costs by phasing in a cap for out-of-pocket costs and standardizes a $35 cap for a month’s supply of covered insulin and no costs for Part D vaccines – including the shingles vaccine.
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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.
© 2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.
© 2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Y0066_220926_113553_M
Read more
Additionally, a low monthly premium plan doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the lowest cost plan. You should also understand the other out-of-pocket expenses, including if the plan has an annual deductible and drug copays.
Read more
There is good news for Medicare beneficiaries due to the Inflation Reduction Act designed to help drive lower drug costs. Among other aspects, the legislation helps protect Medicare recipients from catastrophic drug costs by phasing in a cap for out-of-pocket costs and standardizes a $35 cap for a month’s supply of covered insulin and no costs for Part D vaccines – including the shingles vaccine.
Start over