The prescription choice is part of the medical-plan decision.

Understand the labels

MA is shorthand for Medicare Advantage. MA-PD describes a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D prescription coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans do not include Part D.

A plan without Part D does not create a pharmacy benefit from VA, TRICARE or CHAMPVA. You must independently have the relevant coverage and understand how to use it.

Do not mix incompatible plan types

Medicare says that a person in an HMO, HMO Point-of-Service or PPO who joins a separate Medicare drug plan will be disenrolled from the Medicare Advantage plan and returned to Original Medicare.

Some other plan types have different rules. Identify the exact plan type before changing drug coverage. This is a reason to check the full arrangement, not a reason to make a quick stand-alone Part D application.

Check what you already have

TRICARE explains that TFL includes pharmacy coverage. VA says other prescription insurance prevents CHAMPVA beneficiaries from using Meds by Mail. VA users should separately review their own VA prescription pathway.

Compare each medication, prescriber, pharmacy and cost under the existing arrangement and the alternative. Retain creditable-coverage notices for future enrollment questions.

Bring these questions to the review.

• What is my exact plan type?
• Where does prescription coverage come from now?
• Would another drug plan end my Medicare Advantage enrollment?
• Would another prescription policy affect Meds by Mail?