Medicare Part D Open Enrollment: Tough Choices for 2011 as Plans Change, Costs Shift

Medicare beneficiaries should closely examine 2011 plan choices during open enrollment – starting November 15, 2010 – for prescription drug coverage under Part D.  Some plans are increasing cost-sharing, even as the Affordable Care Act’s 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs take effect for enrollees who hit the “doughnut hole” coverage gap. Protection from high cost-sharing remains for “Extra Help” enrollees, who will see a greater number of plan choices.