Is Medicare Part D right for me?

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may not be for everyone. Use these questions to help you determine if a Part D prescription drug plan makes sense for you.

1. Are you eligible for Medicare because of your age (65 or over) or due to a disability?

If your answer is

YES: You are eligible for a Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance plan.
NO: You'll have to wait until you're 65 or experience a qualifying disability to sign up for a Medicare Part D plan.

2. Do you use prescription drugs now or expect to in the future?

If your answer is

YES: A Medicare Part D plan may save you money on your medications.
NO: No one can predict the future. As you age and your medical conditions change, your need for prescription drugs may increase. If it does, you may want the comfort of knowing that a Medicare Part D plan will help you.

3. Are you currently without prescription drug coverage? That means you don't have prescription drug coverage from your employer, former employer or any other source.

If your answer is

YES: If you have no current prescription drug insurance, a Medicare Part D plan can help you pay for prescription drugs. Sign up for a Medicare Part D plan between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006 to avoid paying a penalty of higher monthly premiums for your plan.
NO: If you already have a prescription drug coverage plan, find out if the plan will still be available in 2006, and whether your benefits will be greater with your current plan or a Medicare Part D plan.

4. Do you need a safety net of protection for the cost of drugs if something serious happens to your health?

If your answer is

YES: Sign up for a Medicare Part D plan as soon as you are eligible. Part D plans limit your share of the cost of your drugs each year. You have the protection of a cap on your spending.
NO: Review your financial records to make sure you have sufficient savings to pay for prescription drugs for the rest of your life.

5. Do you like the idea of getting a break on the prices of your prescription drugs?

If your answer is

YES: A Medicare Part D plan will offer ways to save money on prescription drugs throughout the year, including extra help for people with lower income.
NO: The cost of the drugs you take now may increase significantly in the future, and you may need to take additional, more expensive drugs as you get older. A Medicare Part D plan could cover some of those costs.

If you answered YES to one or more of these questions, you'll probably want to sign up for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.