Is your Medicare Part D plan right for you?

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The annual window for senior citizens to purchase Medicare Part D is quickly approaching.

It's a window of just 54 days from Oct. 15 until Dec. 7, but it's a window CustomPlus Pharmacist Ben Rachwal said is an important one when it comes to your health.

"I would personally say it's required," said Rachwal. "Even if you don't take anything now, that doesn't mean six months from now you won't. It only takes one or two prescriptions to put you over the threshold to where you're going to save money."

Rachwal has been a pharmacist for almost 20 years and said he's seen his customers save more and more money every year, since Medicare Part D went into effect in 2006.

"Medicare never had any drug benefit before," said Rachwal. "There was a lot of money going out of people's pockets. It saved them a tremendous amount. Millions. It's saved this country millions."    

Yet, Rachwal said senior citizens should still be cautious when choosing a plan. He said it's important to make sure your plan fits your prescription medication needs.

Rachwal said if you already have Medicare Part D, now is also a good time to double check your current plan.

"I really encourage everyone, even if you've already had a Part D plan that you're fairly happy with, things seem to be going OK, to really look at it again because premiums are going up," said Rachwal. "You want to make sure you have picked out the optimum plan for your specific drug list."

Rachwal said premiums are estimated to jump about 25 percent this year. If you have specific questions about your plan, most pharmacies can give you answers.

He said if you miss the Dec. 7 deadline, you may have to wait a full year to enroll.