Standard Plan Examples

These examples are based on the standard Part D plan from the previous section "How Part D Works." For example if you take only a few medications, you may not move past stage 1, but if you take many medications to treat a chronic condition you may move very quickly to stage 4 coverage.

The example amounts are based on one person. If you are married, you and your spouse will each need to have your own plan.

The peace-of-mind in having a Part D plan comes in knowing that you have a safety net in place that covers your prescription costs if you develop a major illness or chronic condition that pushes your drug spending to the stage 4 Catastrophic Coverage level.

Etha is age 66. She had a mild heart attack several years ago. She spends $182 a month on maintenance medications to lower her blood pressure and cholesterol. Etha has a Part D plan that will help her save a lot of money.

Charles is age 66. He is quite healthy overall, but he has to spend $130 a month on medications to control his acid reflux disease. With his Part D coverage Charles will save himself a great deal on prescription costs.

Ronald is age 72 and recently fell down and broke his hip. With the medications Ronald has to take, he is spending $278 a month. Even though Ronald will reach the coverage gap, he will still save a substantial amount of money with his Part D plan coverage.

Gene is age 74 and has developed rheumatoid arthritis. The medications to treat RA can be very expensive. The prescription her doctor gave her costs $3,000 a month. Gene’s Part D coverage will really help her out and save her a great deal of money.

*Note: savings figures do not include the cost of the monthly premium.