When Should You Use a Discount Card for Medicare Prescription Drugs?

Thu, Jul 1, 2021 3:43 PM Medicare Medicare Supplement

 

According to recent data, 46% of the population utilizes at least one prescription medicine per month. With that figure in mind, it’s only logical to ponder how to save money as efficiently as possible. You might be wondering, “What is a drug discount card?” When should I put it to use? Is it possible to combine a prescription discount card with Medicare Part D? Medicare Services is here to answer your inquiries as usual.

Medicare Part D is the best option for seniors who want to pay for drugs while also protecting their assets. In some situations, a prescription discount card, in addition to Part D, can help you save money. Below, we’ll explain why and how.

 

What are Prescription Drug Discount Cards and how do they work?

 

A prescription saving or discount card entitles you to a reduced price on your drugs. Most credit card companies include an app that allows you to search for the best pricing at local pharmacies. Simply show the app or your discount card to the pharmacists, and they will apply the discount right away.

It is not insurance, unlike Medicare Part D, and you cannot use it in conjunction with other insurance. It won’t help you avoid Medicare Part D penalties, and most discount cards won’t help you save money on particularly pricey medications.

The best part about medicine discount cards is that they are completely free of charge. You don’t have to pay anything to use them, that’s right. It’s as simple as signing up and saving. It does not have a monthly price (referred to as a premium) or any deductibles to pay. Discounts can be substantial. Some retailers offer discounts of up to 80% off retail prices!

Prescription medication cards are widely available. GoodRx and Single Care are the most well-known cards. Please read our important caution below before jumping on the discount card bandwagon.

 

Also Read: Understanding Medicare Part D Insulin Price Cap

 

 

Discount cards are not equivalent to insurance

 

Prescription drug coverage is provided through Medicare Part D, however, discount cards are not. In exchange for a monthly payment of roughly $35, Part D lowers your drug expenditures.

Each Part D plan includes a formulary that lists the drugs that are covered, therefore the best Part D plan for you is based on the medications you use. Medicare Service can assist you with your Medicare Part D research and enrollment.

While Medicare Part D insurance is not always less expensive than a discount card, it does a better job of preserving your assets and avoiding Medicare penalties. If you take a lot of pricey prescription drugs, Part D may cover up to 95% of your costs. This is why you buy insurance in the first place! All of our clients should enroll in Medicare Part D, as well as have a Medicare Discount Card.

 

Also Read: Does a Medicare Drug Plan Cover Over-the-Counter Drugs?

 

When Should You Use a Discount Card for Prescription Drugs?

 

This is a hard one. The most important thing to understand is that when you use a discount card instead of Part D insurance, the money you spend on discounted drugs does not count toward your deductible or gap limits. This may save you money in the short term, but it will cost you a lot in the long run.

However, there are a few circumstances in which you should utilize your Prescription Discount Card instead of your Medicare Part D Insurance.

 

• You know you won’t make it to catastrophic coverage: the final level of Medicare Part D is known as “Catastrophic Coverage,” and it requires you to pay only 5% of your drug costs. If you won’t meet this criterion but can save a lot of money on a drug by utilizing a card, this might be your best alternative.

• Your Part D copay is higher than it would be if you used a discount card: Even if it does not count toward your deductible, if you have a 20PartDpaymentandcanobtainthesameprescriptionfor5 by utilizing a discount card, you may want to consider it.

• Your medicine isn’t on the formulary of your Part D plan. If your insurance company does not cover your prescribed medication, now is the greatest moment to use a discount card. This can often result in a significant reduction in the price you pay at the pharmacy for your uninsured medication.

• You know you won’t meet your deductible: if your deductible is really high and you know you won’t buy enough medication to trigger your insurance, the discount card is the best option.

 

Is it possible to combine Medicare Part D and a Prescription Drug Discount Card?

 

They can’t be combined. You may, however, choose when to employ each one, as you now know. As previously stated, there are numerous instances in which using your Part D coverage pays off and your deductible is reduced. The majority of pharmacies will submit your claims to your Part D insurance carrier directly. You may be required to do so in certain circumstances.

1. Keep all of your receipts.

2. Complete the medication reimbursement form provided by your insurance company.

3. Send the paperwork together with your receipts to the insurance company.

 

Conclusion

Part D is the best option. In addition to Medicare Part D, a free prescription discount card is a better option. It can be difficult to decide whether to utilize a discount card or Part D, but if you are a MedicareService client, we can assist you in weighing your options.

 

 

 

 

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