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

Kansas seniors, your Medicare Part D plan (PDP) choices are fewer this year. Fortunately, 2018 monthly premiums are about the same, however, the maximum deductible is now $405 per year, one of the lowest annual increases we've seen.

Don't make a PDP decision on the premium and deductible alone. It's critical that you verify that your medications are covered. You find this information, and the co-payment tiers, in the formulary. On each PDP page (above) we post links to the formulary and pharmacy web pages, and the phone numbers to contact the plan.

2018 Medicare Part D Donut Hole

Are you aware that the Medicare Part D coverage gap (aka, donut hole) is still with us? The good news is that the coverage gap is shrinking, and soon it will be gone completely. Until then you can save money on your uninsured prescriptions in Kansas by using a Prescription Savings Card or coupons. Pick one up at 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.

Did you Know Most Kansas Medicare Advantage Plans Include Prescription Drug Coverage?

Your Medicare benefits are flexible, and there's more than one way to get prescription drug coverage. If you want to keep your Original Medicare, you can enroll in one of the stand-alone Part D plans listed above. The other way to get Part D is by enrolling in one of the Kansas Medicare Advantage Plans that include prescription coverage.

Combining a Medicare Supplement and Part D Plan Benefits

The new healthcare law did not change the coverage you get from Medicare for major medical. You are still responsible for paying the remaining 20 percent of all hospital and doctor bills. Even a brief hospital stay can cost you thousands. That's why we maintain a complete catalog of Kansas Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap. We make it easy to find the best price on the plan you want. All Medigap plans are 100% compatible with the prescription drug plans listed above.

Kansas Medicaid and Your Medicare Part D

Kansas seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (aka, dual eligible or Medi-Medi) may be enrolled in a Kansas Medicare Prescription Drug Plan automatically, as well as Social Security's Extra Help program. The Extra Help program pays for most of your prescriptions, but only if you meet the strict eligibility requirements. If the dual eligible option does not meet your needs, you have the option to enroll in a Kansas Part D plan that does. If you are already receiving Medicaid, contact the your local Medicaid office for assistance in the transition to Medicare.

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?