[torimooney]

drug plan choices??????

by torimooney on Mon Feb 13, 2012 5:28 pm

Last year, I was diagnosed with MGUS by a new physician and I was sent to a hema/onc. I kept all my lab reports of the past 30 yrs. The oncologist upon review of those labs, feels I have had MGUS for many years. My m spike, igg, k/l ratio continues to rise each time I am tested. Fortunately, I remain asymptomatic. I will be getting a bone marrow biopsy in April. I will be eligible for Medicare in June and have decided to go with Plan F since I see the future of continued labs etc. and want the best coverage. What I don’t know and would appreciate getting some input about is what prescription drug plan should I choose in the event this turns to multiple myeloma? I understand novel agents and bone replacement medication used to treat multiple myeloma is very costly. I am hoping some of you out there can shed some light on this and advise me on what Medicare prescription drug plan will give me the best coverage in the event this turns to multiple myeloma. Thank you in advance and all of you for the knowledge I have gained from your postings.

[kdboca]

Re: drug plan choices??????

by kdboca on Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:23 pm

The only real Medicare drug plan is Part D. The part F plans are supplemental, privately offered plans. You need to know your EXACT prescriptions. Plans vary based on where you live. They also change from year to year so whatever you determine now may only be good until the next enrollment period. A useful search tool is provided ar http://www.medicare.gov. You can also seek free assistance by SHIP or SHINE volunteers who work in your state. Google "ship medicare <state>" or "shine medicare <state>" where <state> is the spelling of the state in which you live. Some Medicare Advantage plans include perscription drug coverage so don't forget to look at them. Typical treatment for MGUS is "no treatment", so you might do well to just proceed on this research with any current medications.