People With Medicare

How Do I Pick A Plan?

Most people pick a plan based on

  • Whether they want a plan that covers prescription drugs only (a PDP) or a Medicare Advantage plan that combines medical benefits with prescription drug coverage (an MA-PD).
  • How much it will cost.
  • What medications they need to use.
  • What pharmacy they want to use.

How do I sort through all the plans?

You will find that there are many plans to choose from in your area. Medicare.gov has a useful tool to help you narrow your search.  You can enter your list of drugs and the name of your pharmacy, and the tool will tell you how much each plan will cost.  You can compare the costs of different plans and decide which one is right for you.

The material on the Medicare.gov website will make more sense if you have reviewed the 7 Simple Steps and sections on Learn About Costs and Learn About Drugs Covered. These sections explain the deductibles, cost-sharing, coverage gap, and other terms you will find on the Medicare.gov Prescription Drug Plan Finder. 

Use Medicare.gov’s Prescription Drug Plan Finder

Print these instructions for using the Medicare.gov Prescription Drug Plan Finder

What if I don't have access to a computer?
If you do not have access to a computer when it’s time to pick a plan, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get help. (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.) Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Medicare staff will go through the questions with you.

NEXT: How do I pay for the coverage?