How does Medicare Part D deductible work? Why do some PDP's have a deductible? Am I required to pay the insurance deductible up front before I can have a copay? Does the copay apply to all drugs? Isn't a plan without a deductible less expensive? Georgia Medicare expert Bob Vineyard explains. Call (404)252-5859

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In 2018 Georgia has 24 different prescription drug plans. Some #PartD plans have a deductible, others do not. Surprising how many seniors, and agents, automatically go for the plans with no deductible.

In many cases your drugs may have a lower #copay and lower annual out of pocket cost when you choose a plan with a #deductible. Premiums are usually less as well when compared to plans that do not have a deductible.

Roughly 6% of Medicare beneficiaries will ever enter the #donuthole. Many people can actively monitor their drug plan and avoid the donut hole completely.

Every #drugplan has a #formulary. The formulary let's you know which drugs are covered by the plan, which are not.

The formulary also determines your copay.

Every Part D plan is approved by Medicare and each one is required to cover roughly 600 different drugs.

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, this may be your only chance to purchase a Medigap plan. Here is your guide to understanding GA Medicare.

You don't have to receive Social Security to enroll in Medicare insurance. CMS is the agency that oversees Medicare.

Senior healthcare insurance is commonly used to describe Medicare.

How to enroll in Medicare? You may sign up for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and 3 months following your 65th birthday. You may enroll online (highly recommended), by mail or by visiting a Social Security office.

Original Medicare has 4 parts.

Medicare Part A covers hospital inpatient charges and has a per admission deductible

Medicare Part B is for outpatient health care treatment. Doctor visits, labs, X-rays, MRI, CT scan (CAT scan), ambulance, ER, outpatient clinics, etc. Essentially any Medicare approved health care received outside the hospital setting. Treatment considered medically necessary under Medicare guidelines. Medicare Part B has a calendar year deductible. Once satisfied, Medicare pays 80% of the approved charge, you are responsible for the remaining 20%.

Most seniors worry about hospital stays, but your major expenses will more than likely fall under Medicare Part B outpatient expenses. Original Medicare stand alone has no cap on your out of pocket expenses.

You pay until you run out of money, get well or die.

Medicare Part C is now referred to as Medicare Advantage. More on that later.

Medicare Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs. Some Advantage plans have drug coverage built into the plan.

Medigap and Advantage plans cover the same things, but what you pay out of pocket for your care, and where you receive your care, is very different.

Original Medicare does not have networks. You can use any doctor or hospital anywhere in the US. Another plus is the ABN form which is only used with Original Medicare.

Advantage plans are managed care plans. Some are PPO, some are HMO. In 2018 about half the plans are HMO with the balance being PPO.

If you receive non-emergency out of network care under a PPO you may have higher copay’s and deductibles. Your max OOP may also be higher. Some plans do not cap out of network charges.

Non-emergency out of network care charges may be denied if you have an HMO.

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We represent several carriers including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Humana and more.

Additional reading

Call (404) 252-5859 to speak with Bob Vineyard. I will answer your Medicare questions. Never any charge.

Visit my secure website at Georgia Medicare Plans –

For an online resource center or to apply for Medicare visit

To learn about the history of Medigap visit:

For more information about how to save money on Medicare Drug Plans visit:
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How does Medicare Part D work? Give Bob Vineyard a call. He can answer your questions. Medicare drug plan deductibles can be your friend if you understand how they work.