Medicare Drug coverage: The Basics (AARP Bulletin Online)

Looking for a Medicare Part D drug plan that will cost you the least in 2007 and cover all or most of your prescription drugs?  This step-by-step guide provides a direct route to that information through Medicare’s online Drug Plan Finder.

Use this guide if:

	You are currently enrolled in a “stand-alone” Part D plan (one that provides only prescription drug coverage) and want to compare it with other options available in 2007. Plans will change their costs and benefits and offer new choices for 2007, so comparing plans is essential to making the right decision for next year.
	You are helping a family member or friend who is now in a Part D plan or looking to join one.
	You are considering enrolling in a Part D plan for the first time.
	You currently get your prescription drugs in other ways—for example, through retiree drug coverage or buying low-cost drugs from abroad—and want to see how they compare with Medicare drug coverage.

Tips on other kinds of searches—for example, if you have limited income and qualify for Extra Help or are considering joining a Medicare Advantage plan that covers both health care and drugs in one package—are at the bottom of the list.