I swear, Medicare part D is a stroke waiting to happen!

[William769]

I received in the mail this morning my new coverage that will take effect 01-01-2012. The booklet is 487 pages explaining what will stay the same & what will change. The only part I can read is the cover letter that came with it. The book print is small with my eyesight I cannot read it.

So I call the number of my provider only to be told that they have not been informed of any changes yet!

:banghead:

[pinto]

1. Suggest you call your provider and get an Explanation of Benefits as soon as they're completed

for 2012. (I think they're required to provide written EOB). Should be clearer, simpler and in 12 pt font...

Only changes on my Part D were some changes in formulary. None effected me, but they seemed mainly changes due to duplicate meds for same condition or replacement with available generics. :shrug:

[William769]

3. Thanks.

I my biggest concern is the medications that I am on now if they will still be covered.

I just thought it was very strange that they sent me the information before the people on their end were ready to deal with it.

[TheWraith]

2. Hopefully Medicare part D will go away soon.

The ugly, deformed, slightly insane stepchild of the Medicare system.

[William769]

4. And who will pay for the medications?

[TheWraith]

5. A new, non-crappy replacement, one should think. nt

[Selatius]

6. Ideally, Medicare should be allowed to negotiate drug prices directly with pharma companies.

Medicare doesn't have that power under Part D.

[formercia]

11. I plan to get my scripts from the VA

once I leave my present coverage from employee insurance.

[Modern_Matthew]

9. My grandparents rely on it. nt

[FarCenter]

7. This is probably mostly the legally required boilerplate -- you want the formulary

Can you find information about what drugs are covered on their web site?

[William769]

8. Didn't think of that thanks.

My coverage is through Healthnet Orange.

[truedelphi]

10. And thank you for discussing this.

It sounds like I need to start reading those 400+ pages. By the time I am 65 (or 67!) I will have gotten all the way through it, even if I just read seventy pages a year.