Medicare Q&A: What do I do if I am enrolled in a non-benchmark Medicare Plan, but found out that I am eligible to enroll into a “Benchmark” plan.

There are four benchmark plans in 2017 that a beneficiary receiving extra help can enroll.  The premium for the benchmark plan will be zero and there is no deductible.  If a beneficiary, who receives full extra help, enrolls in a non-benchmark plan then the premium will be reduced and the beneficiary will be required to pay that monthly premium.

Also, another important reason to work with a SHIP Counselor, and to have the Counselor enter the current drugs that the Beneficiary takes, is to make certain that all drugs are on the ‘Benchmark’ Plan’s Formulary!  Even though a Beneficiary is eligible and could enroll into a $0 Premium plan, if their drugs are not covered by the Benchmark Plan’s formulary, this could cause a much bigger issue.  The cost of those drugs that are not covered, could end up causing the Beneficiary to pay a great deal of money out of pocket! As a result, a small premium might not be so bad.