Medicare Part D Alaska: Your Guide to Drug Plans in 2025
Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan in Alaska can feel like navigating a maze of premiums, deductibles, and formularies. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With 19 different Medicare Part D Alaska plans available, finding one that fits your healthcare needs and budget is completely possible.
We're here to walk you through everything you need to know so you can make a confident, informed decision about your Medicare Part D Alaska coverage options.
Medicare Part D Alaska: The Complete List
Plan Name | Premium | Deduct. | Benefit | LIS | Gap | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC | $102.00 | $0 | Enhanced | No | No | |
AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC | $63.30 | $545 | Basic | No | No | |
AARP Medicare Rx Walgreens from UHC | $49.90 | $410 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Cigna Extra Rx | $61.90 | $145 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Cigna Saver Rx | $14.20 | $545 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Cigna Secure Rx | $36.50 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Clear Spring Health Value Rx | $26.20 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Humana Basic Rx Plan | $37.50 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Humana Premier Rx Plan | $110.40 | $200 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan | $51.80 | $545 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Mutual of Omaha Rx Essential | $24.20 | $545 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Mutual of Omaha Rx Plus | $97.70 | $545 | Basic | No | No | |
Mutual of Omaha Rx Premier | $81.30 | $349 | Enhanced | No | No | |
SilverScript Choice | $43.30 | $545 | Basic | No | No | |
SilverScript Plus | $103.70 | $200 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
SilverScript SmartSaver | $9.90 | $280 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Wellcare Classic | $39.40 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus | $79.60 | $0 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Wellcare Value Script | $3.50 | $545 | Enhanced | No | No |
Medicare Part D Alaska Explained
A Part D plan is Alaska's go-to for helping you cover prescription drug costs if you're on Medicare. The main difference between this and Original Medicare is that private insurance companies run the show.
This year, you can expect to shell out an average of $399 for deductibles, but 2 plans offer a $0 deductible - music to the ears of those who have regular prescriptions.
Decoding How Medicare Part D Plans Work
Every Medicare Part D plan covers a wide array of medications through a list known as a formulary. A formulary is essentially a catalog of all the drugs that a particular plan covers. Since formularies can vary from plan to plan, it’s important to review yours to ensure it includes the prescriptions you rely on.
Each formulary is also divided into different "tiers," which categorize medications by cost. Typically, drugs in lower tiers come with lower copayments, while those in higher tiers will have higher out-of-pocket expenses.
For instance, Tier 1 might include generic drugs with the lowest copayments, while Tier 2 could feature preferred brand-name medications at a slightly higher cost. Tiers 3, 4, and 5 usually encompass specialty drugs that come with even steeper price points.
What you pay out-of-pocket costs can fluctuate based on several factors, including the plan you select, the tier your medications fall under, and which phase of coverage you’re in—such as the deductible phase or initial coverage phase.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Part D Alaska Plan
Choosing the right Medicare Part D Alaska plan requires a thorough review of several important factors. This helps ensure that your plan offers the coverage you need while keeping your out-of-pocket costs in check.
Monthly Premium
This is the amount you pay each month for your Medicare Part D plan. Think of it like a subscription fee. While it’s tempting to go for the lowest possible premium, remember to factor in deductibles, copayments, and coverage details.
A lower monthly premium often means a higher deductible or more limited coverage. The goal is to find a good balance that won't result in unexpected expenses later.
Annual Deductible
Similar to deductibles with other types of insurance, this is the amount you need to pay out of pocket for covered medications before your Medicare Part D plan starts covering costs. It’s the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in.
If you regularly take prescription medications, opting for a plan with a lower deductible can often lead to greater savings. If you rarely need prescriptions, choosing a plan with a higher deductible might be a better option.
Drug Formulary
Review the plan’s formulary, or list of covered medications, to ensure your prescriptions are included. Since formularies can change throughout the year, it’s a good idea to check during the Annual Enrollment Period to confirm that your necessary medications remain covered.
Also, take note of your medication's tier within the formulary, as this will directly impact your costs.
Pharmacy Network
Many plans have preferred pharmacy networks that offer discounted prices on medications, which can result in substantial savings. Ensure that your preferred pharmacies are in-network, and check if mail-order pharmacy options are available. Mail-order services can be particularly convenient and cost-effective for long-term prescriptions.
How Part D Plans Coordinate with Other Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage, but you may wonder, "How does this fit with my other Medicare benefits?" Let's break it down for you:
Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
With Original Medicare, Part A covers hospital stays, while Part B handles doctor visits and other medical services, including medications administered by your doctor. Part D comes into play by helping cover the costs of the prescription drugs you take at home. Together, these parts provide comprehensive coverage for both medical care and prescriptions.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Supplement plans, often referred to as Medigap, help pay for some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, Medigap plans don’t cover everything.
For example, Medicare Supplements don’t include prescription drug coverage. To get coverage for your medications, you'll need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.
If you take multiple medications, having both a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D plan can help you manage your costs. Although you’ll pay a monthly premium for each, the added security of comprehensive medical and drug coverage can be well worth it.
Medicare Advantage
Part D works differently if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, sometimes called Part C. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. This means you get your medical and prescription drug coverage bundled together.
However, some Medicare Advantage plans don't include Part D, allowing you to choose a stand-alone Part D plan.
Whether you choose Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, the goal is to find what fits you best. Think about what prescriptions you take and your budget. This will help you make the best choice for your health needs.
Key Dates for Enrolling in a Medicare Part D Plan
Medicare has specific timeframes for enrolling in or modifying your coverage. Here are the key enrollment periods to keep in mind:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for a total of seven months.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurring each year from October 15th to December 7th, this period allows you to make changes to your coverage.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Held annually from January 1st to March 31st, this period is for those who already have a Medicare Advantage plan.
For more details, be sure to checkout and bookmark our Medicare Enrollment Periods Guide.
Finding Help With Medicare Part D Alaska Enrollment
Navigating and comparing Medicare Part D California plans can be overwhelming at times, but help is just a phone call away. Our team of experienced, licensed insurance agents is here to assist you by phone at 1-877-388-0596, available Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
We’re ready to answer your questions, compare plans, and guide you through the enrollment process step by step.
Plans Offered Through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Cigna Healthcare, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Scott and White Health Plan now part of Baylor Scott & White Health, UnitedHealthcare(R), and Wellcare.
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