How to update your prescriptions online
Video Duration: 1 minute 23 seconds
Be prepared: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]
When choosing a prescription drug plan, being prepared is key to keeping your out-of-pocket costs low. [Description of visual information: Prescription Drug Plan – It's important to be prepared. End of description]
Prescription details: Elapsed time 6 seconds [00:06]
First off, have your prescription details as well as the name of your preferred pharmacy handy. [Description of visual information: Keep Costs Low – Have your prescription details and the name of your pharmacy handy. End of description]
Match your prescription details: Elapsed time 14 seconds [00:14]
You'll need to make sure the dosage, quantity and frequency of each medication matches your exact prescription. You can find this information on your prescription label. [Description of visual information: make sure the dosage, quantity and frequency matches your prescription. End of description]
Add to your drug list: Elapsed time 24 seconds [00:24]
To add a prescription, search for the name of the drug and select it. Then, choose the dosage and enter the quantity. Your refill frequency options are 30, 90 and 365 days. For prescriptions you take as needed, choose the 30-day option. Select "Add Drug" to save your prescription to your drug list.
Complete your list: Elapsed time 49 seconds [00:49]
Repeat this step for each medication. If you need to update a prescription that's already in your drug list, you can select "change" or "remove" under the drug.
Review the information you've provided. If you want to see customized plan options, select "Continue."
Get started: Elapsed time 1 minute, 9 secods [01:09]
When you're ready to start, select "Update My Drug List."
End: Elapsed time 1 minute, 23 seconds [01:23]
Updating Medicare prescriptions FAQ
If you don't list your current prescriptions, you might pick a plan that doesn’t cover your medications and end up paying more out of pocket. Be sure to enter all your prescription drugs, even low-cost generics. Don’t add over-the-counter medications, supplements, or special vitamins. They’re usually not covered and could affect your estimated costs.
Yes, it’s important to enter your pharmacy when shopping for a Medicare Part D plan. Not all pharmacies are in-network for every plan and that affects what you’ll pay.
The pharmacy you choose also matters, too. Your plan only covers prescriptions filled at in-network pharmacies, unless it’s an emergency. Sometimes, using an in-network “preferred cost share” pharmacy can help you save money.
You can enter up to 3 pharmacies. Try adding your regular pharmacy plus at least 1 other so you can compare prices. You might also consider adding a mail-order pharmacy for more options. The “Digital Pharmacy” tab lists common choices.
If your doctor prescribes a new medication, first check whether your Medicare Part D plan covers it. You can look it up in your plan’s drug list, or formulary, online or call customer service for help.
If your medication isn’t covered, ask your plan if you can request a formulary exception. This means your doctor explains why you need the drug. If the plan still won’t cover it, or the cost is too high, think about switching plans during the next open enrollment period or talk with your doctor about other options.
Medicare drug plans can be different in a few important ways.
Formulary: Each plan has its own list of drugs it covers. Some plans might also have rules like needing your doctor’s approval before you fill certain prescriptions.
Costs: What you pay can vary a lot between plans. This included premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
Tiers: Plans group drugs into different cost tiers. The tier affects how much you pay out of pocket, and not every plan puts the same drug in the same tier.
Pharmacy network: Plans work with certain pharmacies. Using an in-network or preferred pharmacy often costs less than going out of network.
Coverage rules: Plans may have different rules for how often you can fill prescriptions, how much medicine you can get at once and whether you need to use mail order.