Michigan Medicare Part D Plans (PDP) 2018 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Michigan 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 decision on your choice of Part D Medicare plans based 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.

VITAL: Identifying the best Medicare Part D Plans requires research. What works the best for you is all about your regular prescriptions (if any), your health and what you can afford.

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 Michigan. 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.

Did you Know Most Michigan 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 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans listed above. The other way to get Part D is by enrolling in one of the Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans that include prescription coverage.

Using Supplement Insurance with Medicare PartD

Thinking about supplemental insurance that can offer you more coverage? It's a smart move. Even with the new health care law, Medicare only covers 80 percent of the hospital and doctor bills incurred by most seniors in the great state of Michigan, leaving you to handle the rest. We make it easy to find the lowest price on the Michigan Medicare Supplement, commonly called a Medigap plan, you want. The choice is yours, because all Medicare PartD plans are compatible with Michigan Medigap plans.

Michigan Medicaid and Your Medicare Part D

Michigan seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (aka, dual eligible or Medi-Medi) may be enrolled in a Michigan 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 Michigan 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?