Welcome to Patient’s Digest.

With the introduction of Part D in January 2006, Medicare gives everyone over age 65 or with disabilities access to insurance for an important component of your healthcare: prescription medications. While this new federal benefit offers the potential to save people money, it is also causing confusion.

In most states, there are more than 50 plans to choose from and all cover slightly different coverage. Determining the right plan for you can be difficult.

Although many Medicare beneficiaries signed up with a Part D plan earlier this year, the next open enrollment period is coming up soon. If you haven’t enrolled, this is the time to do it. And, even if you have found a plan, it’s a good idea to make sure that it remains the right choice for you for the coming year.

• 33% of seniors found that choosing a plan was “somewhat difficult” or “very difficult.”*
• Once enrolled, 80% were satisfied with their plans and about the same number said they were either saving money or paying no more than in the past.*
• 22% said they were saving “a lot of money” with their coverage.*

Your doctor and the other professionals who provide your healthcare want to make sure you have the information you need to make the best choice for your Part D coverage. That’s why we produced Your Guide to Medicare Part D—with worksheets and tips to help you find the best plan for you.