Walgreens Health Services > Long-Term Care Pharmacy > Medicare Part D questions

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Which Medicare prescription drug (Medicare Part D) plans does SeniorMed accept?
We accept all major Medicare prescription drug plans.

I am enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan. Will my copay be different if I choose SeniorMed as my pharmacy?
You will likely pay the same copay. One important benefit of Medicare Part D is that it gives you the freedom to choose a pharmacy based on services and convenience and not just price. As long as you choose a pharmacy within your plan’s network, your copay will be the same. SeniorMed is a member of all major Medicare Part D networks.

What is a coverage gap?
Medicare prescription drug plans have a coverage gap or “donut hole.” You enter into the coverage gap once the total amount spent on covered medications by you and your plan reaches a certain amount. This amount varies by plan, but for the 2009 calendar year, that amount can be no more than $2,700. While you are in the coverage gap, you will be 100 percent responsible for all medication costs, plus your monthly premium (if applicable). Once you reach the out-of-pocket limit set by your plan (no more than $4,350 in 2009) catastrophic coverage begins. Catastrophic coverage is special coverage designed to help those with extremely high drug costs. It ensures that once your plan’s out-of-pocket limit is reached you will only have to pay a coinsurance amount (for example five percent) or a small copay for covered medications for the remainder of the year.

How will I know when I’m in the coverage gap?
The best way to find out if you are in the coverage gap is to contact your Medicare prescription drug plan directly. Your plan may send the monthly Explanation of Benefits statements that show you how much money has been spent in the coverage gap. You can also find more information online at www.medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY: 877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is there a way to avoid the coverage gap?
You can delay or possibly avoid reaching the coverage gap by using generic medications of lower-priced medications listed on your insurance plan’s formulary (list of covered medications). If you take medications that are not covered by your insurance plan obtain a copy of your plan’s formulary. Share the formulary with your doctor and ask if the non covered medication can be substituted with an equally effective, lower-priced medication that is listed on the formulary.

If I’m Medicaid-eligible, does the coverage gap apply to me?
No, dual eligible individuals (recipients of both Medicare Part D and Medicaid) are exempt from the coverage gap.

What if I have more questions about Medicare prescription drug plans?
To get more information about plans in your area visit Medicare online at www.medicare.gov or calling toll free at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also call our Medicare hotline at 888-750-3044 to speak with a SeniorMed representative or email us at seniormedinfo@walgreens.com.

Find more information on Medicare Part D at Walgreens.com.