If you want to make the most of your Medicare health insurance plan, study the following Medicare guidelines on how to get the prescription drug coverage that you can afford. According to the Medicare guidelines, you have five options to get the prescription drug coverage. Your first option is through the Original Medicare. As long as you have Part A and Part B, you are eligible to get Part D. The prescription drug coverage will pay 50% of the cost. With Part D, you pay less for your medicines but you have to pay the copayment, co-insurance and deductibles depending on the type of coverage. You can also have prescription drug coverage through the supplemental policy called Medigap. This policy offers good coverage at a much lower cost. Some Medicare Advantage Plans available through HMO and PPO already have medicine coverage. You just have to check if the monthly premium cost you more than when you buy your medicine on your own. See if you can apply for Medicaid. This is a policy especially created for low-income individuals who have very little resources to cover their health care needs. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your prescription drug is already covered starting on the first day of the year. Your retirement benefits might help too. Check what the health care guidelines are for retirees. You can also inquire if your state has a program to help you pay for your prescription drug epenses. You can also ask your state insurance department more information about Medicare guidelines on prescription drugs. They might be able to give you more assistance and options to ease your worries on medicine epenses. - June 26, 2009 @ 2:36pm