Arkansas Medicare Part D Plans (PDP) 2018 Prescription Drug Plans for People with Medicare

People with Medicare benefits in Arkansas have fewer Medicare Part D Plan (PDP) choices in 2018. However, premiums are about the same, and in some cases have decreased. The maximum annual deductible is now $405, up from $400 last year.

Choose your Part D plan wisely. If you have a regular prescription or two, we suggest that you verify that the plan you want offers your medication(s) at a good price. You find this information in the formulary. We post links to the formulary and pharmacy web pages, as well as the plan's phone number, on each of the PDP pages listed above.

The 2018 Medicare Part D Coverage Gap is Closing

If you have expensive prescriptions, chances are that you will reach the Medicare coverage gap (aka, donut hole). The Affordable Care Act eventually closes the gap, but it's still with us in 2018. Until it's gone, use a pharmacy discount card. It will help with most of your uninsured prescriptions throughout Arkansas. We recommend the Rx Discount Card and coupons from GoodRx.com.

The 2018 Initial Coverage Limit (ICL) is $3,750. The Coverage Gap (donut hole) starts when you reach the ICL ($3,750) and ends when you spend a total of $4,950. This year, Part D enrollees will get a 60% discount on the total cost of brand-name drugs purchased while in the donut hole. A 50% discount, paid by the brand-name drug manufacturer, applies to getting out of the donut hole. But, the additional 10% paid by your PDP does not count toward your True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) costs.

For instance, if you reach the donut hole and purchase a brand-name medication with a retail cost of $100, you'll pay $40 for the prescription and get a $90 credit toward meeting your total out-of-pocket spending limit.

PDP enrollees pay a 51% co-pay (maximum ) on all generic drugs purchased while in the coverage gap. For example, if you fall in the Donut Hole in 2018, and your generic medication retails for $100, you'll pay only $51. This amount counts toward your TrOOP.

Some plans offer additional gap coverage, so look for it on the plan information pages.

Get Your Prescriptions and More with a Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare realizes that one type of plan does not suit everyone. That's why there are two ways to get help with your prescriptions. The Part D plans above work with Original Medicare. That's one way. But maybe you'd like even more benefits. That's where Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plans come in. Most offer Part D coverage.

Part D Plans and Medicare Supplements Work Together

Medicare does not pay for all of your hospitalization and doctor bills. Even with the new healthcare law fully in place, your Original Medicare only pays about 80 percent of your Arkansas healthcare bills. We keep an up-to-date catalog of Arkansas Medigap Plans, also call a Medicare Supplement, with the tools you need to find the best price and coverage. The prescription drug plans above are fully compatible with all Medicare Supplements sold in Arkansas.

Getting Medicare Part D with Arkansas Medicaid

If you meet the requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid (aka, dual eligible or Medi-Medi) in Arkansas, you will automatically receive a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, as well as Extra Help from Social Security. If you qualify for Extra Help, the program will cover most of the costs of your prescriptions. Even if you qualify, the dual eligible option may not suit your needs. In this case, enroll in the prescription drug plan of your choice. If you receive Medicaid now, call your local Medicaid office for assistance with your dual eligible benefits.

Related Information

• Who Qualifies For Medicare Part D Coverage?
• How Much Does Medicare Part D Cost?
• When Should I Get Medicare Part D Coverage?
• Can Changing My Medicare Part D Plan Lower My Drug Costs?