Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs?

Getting older isn’t easy and neither is insurance coverage in the United States. It feels as though you need two degrees just to figure out which insurance will cover all of your medication. Medicare is a right for citizens over 65, but there are different plans and it is important to know which plan is right for your needs. If you’re looking for medicare insurance coverage, Easy Medicare is a great website to visit to get instant quotes.

There are four different types of medicare, Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO), Private Fee For Service Plans (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

Prescription Drug Coverage Part D

Prescription drug coverage part D is available for all types of Medicare plans. This is an optional program for prescription drugs that is an additional charge and approved by medicare. Prescription drug coverage part D covers most anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, anti-psychotics, immunosuppressants, cancer drugs, and HIV/AIDS drugs.

Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO)

With Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO), you must get your health care from the providers within your network or you will incur double the cost. With this plan, you need to choose a primary care doctor. Depending on the plan, prescription drugs are covered under the health maintenance organization plans, but a drug plan is not a requirement for this plan. Before selecting a plan, always ensure that the plan covers prescription drugs or purchase prescription drug coverage part D.

Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO)

Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO) are like HMO plans where you pay more for out of network doctors, without having to have a primary care doctor. Most PPO plans include a prescription drug plan that covers most prescription. Always read the fine print or ask your insurance broker for specific medication coverage. Unfortunately, if you choose a PPO plan, you do not have the option of purchasing a prescription drug coverage part D plan.

Private Fee for Service Plans (PFFS)

In most Private Fee for Service Plans (PFFS), you can go to any doctor you choose. Some PFFS don’t cover prescription drugs while others do. It is important to check with the insurance provider to see which drugs are in fact covered because a prescription drug plan is not a requirement for this plan. The good news is, you can purchase the prescription drug coverage part D in addition to the PFFS plan with this plan.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) cater to the needs of medicare recipients that have special medical needs, including those who have diabetes, heart failure, dementia, and HIV/AIDS just to name a few. These plans are suitable for those who are in nursing homes and must cover all prescriptions.

Getting prescription medications isn’t always easy, but there are programs that big chain stores have that regulate the prices of prescription medications for those who can not afford them. These programs are for people of all ages and are typically given on a no questions asked basis. There are some prescription drugs that are available online. If, for example, you can’t sleep at night, you could buy ambien online and your sleep troubles will melt away.

Choose the right healthcare plan for you. If you’re unsure or unclear of something, just ask the broker or even ask a health care provider for advice. If you’re stuck in a Medicare plan that doesn’t offer you prescription medications, see if an insurance broker can help you get out of it and into a better plan. Get the healthcare you deserve, and the prescriptions you need at the right prices. Knowing your needs is the first step into getting better healthcare.