Choosing a Medicare plan is easier when you can see your choices side by side. Use this free worksheet during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) to compare up to three plans. It adds up each plan's estimated yearly cost for you, because the plan with the lowest premium isn't always the cheapest one.
Get each plan's estimated yearly drug costs from the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (use the drug cost figure without premiums, so premiums aren't counted twice). Enter each plan's own premium (leave out the Part B premium, which you pay no matter which plan you choose). Premiums are multiplied by 12 automatically.
| Plan 1 | Plan 2 | Plan 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan name | |||
| Monthly premium | |||
| Drug deductible (for reference) | |||
| Estimated yearly drug costs, not counting premiums | |||
| Other expected costs (copays, visits) | |||
| My doctors in network? (yes/no) | |||
| My pharmacy in network? (yes/no) | |||
| Star rating | |||
| Extras (dental, vision, hearing) | |||
| Estimated yearly cost |
How to use the comparison
- List your medicines and doctors first. These decide which plans will work for you.
- Look up plans on the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Enter your drugs to get each plan's estimated yearly drug costs.
- Fill in up to three plans. Include your current plan so you can see whether switching would help.
- Compare the totals and the "yes/no" rows. A lower cost doesn't help much if your doctor isn't in the network.
- Print it and bring it to a free counselor. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free, unbiased help. Find yours at shiphelp.org. In California, call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.
The estimated yearly cost is a planning estimate, not a quote. Actual costs depend on the care and medicines you use.
Want step-by-step help? Read our free guide, Medicare Open Enrollment: How to Review Your Plan, or see all the tools in The Chances Toolbox.