Louisiana Medicare Part D Plans: The Best Plans

Enrolling in prescription drug coverage can be a great financial decision if you regularly take medications. But how do you pick the right plan, and how do you compare your options? Here’s what you need to know to compare the plans in your service area quickly and easily.

Prescription drugs can be expensive, and if you have Medicare Part B coverage, the limited outpatient prescription drug coverage it offers may not be sufficient for covering your medication needs. Another way to save on costs if you’re eligible for Medicare is through a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Enrollment in one of these plans means that you pay co-pays or coinsurance for your prescriptions while meeting plan requirements and costs. Find out if a drug plan is right for you and what you can expect to pay for coverage in Louisiana.

Take your drug plan research to the next level! Compare all the plan options in your service area with the Insurify Medicare comparison tool.

What Are the Best Medicare Part D Plans in Louisiana?

The top eight Part D coverage plans in the state are ranked below. Several plan details were considered in determining top plans, including out-of- pocket costs ( co-payments and coinsurance ), yearly deductibles, and the plans’ Medicare star ratings.

For more specific plan details, you can check the plan providers’ websites. Each provider should also have a formulary that you can review to see which prescriptions are covered. The plan’s formulary will also list which drug tier each prescription is in. Lower-tier prescriptions usually have lower costs.

#1 WellCare Classic S4802-012 ( PDP )

• Premium: $26.60

• Deductible: $445

• Star rating: 4/5

This WellCare plan has relatively low drug costs, especially for lower-tier prescriptions. Tier 1 drugs co-pays are $0–$6, Tier 2 are $2–$15, and Tier 3 are $29–$99. For Tier 4 drugs, enrollees pay 34–40 percent coinsurance, and for Tier 5, they pay 25 percent coinsurance.

#2 WellCare Value Script S4802-133 ( PDP )

• Premium: $18.50

• Deductible: $445

• Star rating: 4/5

While this plan has higher drug costs than the previous WellCare plan, it has a lower monthly premium to make up for it. Tier 1 drug co-pays are $0–$15, Tier 2 are $4–$27, and Tier 3 are $43–$141. Tier 4 prescriptions require 47–50 percent coinsurance, and Tier 5 require 25 percent coinsurance.

#3 WellCare Wellness Rx S4802-190 ( PDP )

• Premium: $17.20

• Deductible: $445

• Star rating: 4/5

As the final WellCare plan on the list, this one has the highest drug costs and lowest monthly premium of any of the WellCare options. Tier 1 drugs are $0–$24, Tier 2 are $5–$45, and Tier 3 are $40–$141. Tier 4 drugs require 46–50 percent coinsurance, and Tier 5 require 25 percent coinsurance.

#4 AARP MedicareRx Preferred S5820-020 ( PDP )

• Premium: $93.10

• Deductible: $0

• Star rating: 3.5/5

Although this plan has the highest monthly premium of any option on the list, it’s also the only plan with a $0 deductible. Tier 1 drug co-pays are $5–$45, Tier 2 are $10–$60, and Tier 3 are $45–$141. For Tier 4 drugs, enrollees pay 40–45 percent coinsurance, and for Tier 5, they pay 33 percent coinsurance. In the gap coverage phase, some Tier 2 drugs require $0–$60 co-pays instead of the standard 25 percent coinsurance.

#5 AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus S5921-366 ( PDP )

• Premium: $29.10

• Deductible: $445

• Star rating: 3.5/5

This plan’s prescription costs are reasonable, especially for lower-tier drugs. Tier 1 prescription co-pays are $1–$18, Tier 2 are $5–$30, and tier 3 are $30–$105. Tier 4 drugs require 40 percent coinsurance, and Tier 5 require 25 percent coinsurance.

#6 AARP MedicareRx Walgreens S5921-402 ( PDP )

• Premium: $39.20

• Deductible: $445

• Star rating: 3.5/5

Compared to the previous AARP plan, this one has higher prescription costs and a higher monthly premium. Tier 1 drug co-pays are $0–$45, Tier 2 are $6–$60, and Tier 2 are $40–$141. Tier 4 drugs require 40–45 percent coinsurance, and Tier 5 require 25 percent coinsurance. In the gap coverage phase, some Tier 2 drugs require $6–$60 co-pays.

#7 Cigna Secure-Essential Rx S5617-300 ( PDP )

• Premium: $24

• Deductible: $445

• Star rating: 3.5/5

While this plan has one of the lower monthly premiums on the list, its prescription costs are quite high. Tier 1 prescriptions cost $0–$57, and Tier 2 cost $2–$60. Enrollees will pay 18–20 percent coinsurance for Tier 3 drugs, 43 percent coinsurance for Tier 4, and 25 percent coinsurance for Tier 5.

#8 Cigna Secure-Extra Rx S5617-266 ( PDP )

• Premium: $49.70

• Deductible: $100

• Star rating: 3.5/5

If you’re looking for a plan with a lower deductible, this is one to consider. With this plan, Tier 1 drug co-pays are $4–$45, Tier 2 are $10–$60, and Tier 2 are $42–$141. Tier 4 drugs require 50 percent coinsurance, and Tier 5 require 31 percent coinsurance. In the gap coverage phase, Tier 1 drug co-pays are $4–$45, and Tier 2 are $10–$60.

Want to see where other plan options rank, such as Humana Premier, SilverScript Choice, or Express Scripts Medicare? Keep comparing your options with the Insurify Medicare comparison tool.

How Much Does Medicare Part D Cost in Louisiana?

When comparing plans, you’ll likely have many options that won’t break the bank. On average, Medicare beneficiaries pay $32 for plan premiums. Also note that in 2021, plan deductibles are no higher than $445.

Drug costs for each plan depend in part on which phase of the plan you’re in. The initial coverage phase begins once you meet your deductible and lasts up to the initial coverage limit of $4,130 (from both individual and plan payments). The drug costs listed for the plans above are for the initial coverage phase.

The catastrophic phase begins once you reach $6,550 in out-of- pocket costs. In this phase, drug co-pays and coinsurance are very low.

The coverage gap between these phases is called the “donut hole.” In the donut hole, you’ll typically pay 25 percent coinsurance for both brand-name and generic drugs.

For those with low income or resources, the Extra Help program may be able to help you pay plan costs like the premium, co-pays, coinsurance, or yearly deductible. You can learn more about qualifying for Extra Help on the Social Security Administration website, SSA.gov.

What Is Medicare Part D?

Part D Medicare coverage can make prescription drugs more affordable through co-pays and coinsurance instead of paying full price for medications. Drug plans are provided by private insurance companies that can have additional requirements, such as requiring the use of preferred pharmacies.

Typically, you’re eligible to select a drug plan once your Medicare eligibility begins, and the window lasts for seven months. While you can still sign up for a plan after that time, you may have to pay a late- enrollment penalty each month.

What Types of Medicare Part D Plans Are Available in Louisiana?

Part D healthcare plans can either be stand-alone plan options or be bundled into more comprehensive Medicare coverage. You can purchase a stand-alone plan to use with Original Medicare ( Medicare Parts A and B), cost plans, some private fee-for-service plans, or medical savings account plans.

If you’re looking for bundled coverage, consider Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C ). These plans bundle Original Medicare with other benefits like drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, nursing facility care, and fitness programs.

FAQ: Louisiana Medicare Part D

Conclusion: Compare Your Drug Plan Options Now to Save Money Later

Louisiana residents have several drug plans to choose from depending on their service area. Choosing the right one can be difficult since there are many factors to consider, such as budget and health needs.

Since plans are provided by private insurers, they can vary greatly. Outside of federal Medicare program requirements, individual providers can set their plan requirements. Comparing all of your options from the start can help you make sure you’ve chosen the best-value option if you decide to enroll.

Before getting on the phone with an insurance agent, compare your plan options online in one place. Get started today with the Insurify Medicare comparison tool.