Part D Medicare Drug Programs

Since 2006, Medicare Part D drug programs allow U.S. senior citizens access to prescription drug coverage, no matter their health status, income or previous prescription drug history. According to the Medicare website, how Medicare patients pay for their prescription medications depends on the type of Medicare coverage in which they enroll. Medicare Part D is only available through private insurance companies, and costs of each program vary, as well as which medications are included.

AARP MedicareRx Plans

• The three Medicare Part D plans provided by AARP offer various levels of service, in partnership with United Healthcare. With two plans, there are no annual deductibles. AARP states that its plans have predictable co-pays, 60,000 participating member pharmacies nationwide and financial aid for lower-income customers. Its customer service hot-line is available 24/7. The preferred mail service offers delivery of medications to the customer's door, and standard shipping is free.

  AARP Health

  P.O. Box 1017

  Montgomeryville, PA 18936

  800-444-6544

  aarphealthcare.com

Aetna Medicare Rx Plan

• Aetna's Medicare Part D program also offers three different plans. Aetna provides coverage in all states. Its plans include the Essentials plan, a basic plan providing discounted drugs not usually covered by so-called Medicare "gap" insurance. The Rx Plus plan also has a zero deductible for brand-name as well as generic medications and covers generic barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Its premium coverage, the Premier Plan, provides unlimited generic prescription coverage for any drugs falling in the "gap."

  Aetna Inc., RT-52

  151 Farmington Avenue

  Hartford, CT 06156

  800-529-5586

  aetnamedicare.com

Humana Medicare

• Humana sends its Medicare Part D plan enrollees a monthly summary stating what medications they took and the cost of the drugs. It offers a basic plan, meeting federal minimum Medicare Part D coverage. Humana also offers the Value plan, which has no deductible for common generic drugs. The Enhanced plan features fixed co-payments without deductibles, while Complete plan offers "protection up to a catastrophic limit." Availability of plans vary by region.

  Humana Inc.

  500 West Main Street

  Louisville, KY 40202

  800 - 645 - 7322

  humana-medicare.com