Families Could Save Hundreds of $$$ By Choosing the Right Medicare Drug Plan

While Ms. Haiken's article is relevant and valuable, there is one glaring error. She correctly states that the Open Enrollment Period ends on 03/31. However, Medicare rules state that a Medicare beneficiary can NOT move from one standalone PDP (Part D Prescription Drug Plan) to another during this period. That can be done ONLY during AEP (Annual Election Period) or during a SEP (Special Enrollment Period). The OEP allows the Medicare beneficiary to make a one-time change to a "like plan". There are specific rules for this switch, and the presence of creditable drug coverage as of January 1 is a key to determining an allowable switch. On another note, there is a feature in www.Medicare.gov which provides a facility to create a list of the Medicare beneficiary's prescription drugs and then to compare the annual drug cost on different Part D plans. Keep in mind that MAPDs (Medicare Advantage plans with Prescription Drugs)can be a great value to combine both medical benefits with Part D benefits in one plan.