As I am not on any ongoing Rx's, I opted for the least-expensive Medicare Part D Drug Plan I could find for 2018 (Envision RX Plus $12.60/mo.) I just received notice that Envision's premiums are going up to $14.50/mo. in 2019, with a deductible of $365.
I'm wondering if it might make sense to change to another Part D provider, as I plan to get my 2 Shingrx shots in 2019, plus I am going on a 2-week cruise in April and will need an Rx for Transderm Scop for seasickness.
Envision's formulary does not cover the new Shingrx vaccine, which costs about $150-$160 each (for the required 2 shots). and Transderm Scop, which runs about $60-80/2 week supply, coverage is listed as Tier 4, non-preferred with a 43% co-pay.
I'm now looking for a Part D provider who DOES include Shingrx and Transderm Scop in their formulary and whose costs all-in would be less than staying with EnvisionRx.
Preliminary research has turned up SilverScript Choice with a $0 deductible and a $29.10/mo premium (2018 pricing).
In SilverScript's formulary I see that Shingrx is Tier 3, Preferred, at $41/vial (shot) and Transderm Scop is Tier 4, Non-preferred, at 41% co-pay.
This^^ looks promising and would save me money over staying with Envision for my planned 2019 Rx usage.
I'll be keeping an eye out for their 2019 pricing update.
I'm sharing my thinking and plan in case someone else here might be in a similar situation.
BTW, Medicare participants are free to switch Part D providers annually, during Open Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7)
omni
I'm wondering if it might make sense to change to another Part D provider, as I plan to get my 2 Shingrx shots in 2019, plus I am going on a 2-week cruise in April and will need an Rx for Transderm Scop for seasickness.
Envision's formulary does not cover the new Shingrx vaccine, which costs about $150-$160 each (for the required 2 shots). and Transderm Scop, which runs about $60-80/2 week supply, coverage is listed as Tier 4, non-preferred with a 43% co-pay.
I'm now looking for a Part D provider who DOES include Shingrx and Transderm Scop in their formulary and whose costs all-in would be less than staying with EnvisionRx.
Preliminary research has turned up SilverScript Choice with a $0 deductible and a $29.10/mo premium (2018 pricing).
In SilverScript's formulary I see that Shingrx is Tier 3, Preferred, at $41/vial (shot) and Transderm Scop is Tier 4, Non-preferred, at 41% co-pay.
This^^ looks promising and would save me money over staying with Envision for my planned 2019 Rx usage.
I'll be keeping an eye out for their 2019 pricing update.
I'm sharing my thinking and plan in case someone else here might be in a similar situation.
BTW, Medicare participants are free to switch Part D providers annually, during Open Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7)
omni
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