subject: Which Drugs Are Not Covered By Medicare Part D? [print this page] Which Drugs Are Not Covered By Medicare Part D?
There are also certain classes ofdrugs that are excluded in Part D, including:
Fertility drugs
Drugs for weight gain, weight loss, or for treating anorexia
Drugs for treating erectile dysfunction
Cosmetic drugs like drugs
Cough and cold suppressants
Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates
Vitamins and minerals except prenatal vitamins
Although they are excluded in a basic Part D plan, plan providers can otherwise include them as a supplementary benefit if they fit a Part D drug definition. The costs of such drugs, however, cannot be passed on to Medicare.
Not all Part D plans are created alike. In fact, Part D plans are not even required to pay for all drugs that are covered under Part D. Different plan providers have their own set of formularies, or list of Part D drugs that they are willing to make a payment.
It pays to check out the formularies of the plan providers in your area. Choosing two to three plans would typically be enough, but if you have time to waste, you can actually go through all the plans available in your area (some areas in the United States have 100 plans offered by 50 different providers).
Keep in mind that with each year, Part D plan providers tend to change theirformularies or the list of drugs covered under their plans. This is one reason why Part D plans are patronized only by a fraction of the people who are set to benefit from it. The minimum amounts or the StandardBenefit Plan changes with each year too.
This is certainly the case of the Medicare Part D 2011, where there are increases in the deductible amount,coverage limit, maximum amount of out-of-pocket expenses, and co-payment. Part D is an optional supplemental coverage to your main Medicare plan, but if you opt for this plan, you would typically pay from $35 to $37 per month (as of 2010 Part D).
Medicare Part D plans come in different forms: HMO plans, PPO plans, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plans, and Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service plans. Enrolment for the 2011 Part D doesn't start until November 15, 2010 (it ends December 31, 2010).
You can enjoy the benefits of your Part D plan right away at the beginning of 2011.
