Page 5 - Cover Letter and Evaluation for Paul Dorroh

If your stand-alone dental/vision plan is subsidized in some way, perhaps by your employer, it’s
likely your best option. But if it is not subsidized, you might consider using the Advantage plan’s
dental/vision benefits. You would first have to verify that your dentist and ophthalmologist will
accept the Advantage plan for routine benefits, but if they will it might save you money.

Rx Drug Plan Coverage

Even though you do not take any prescription drugs, you are required to have Part D coverage
or else risk paying lifetime penalties later. As you know, you will need to enroll in a Part D
stand-alone plan If you purchase a Medigap policy. The two Advantage plans in your evaluation
include Part D coverage.

If you get a Medigap policy and enroll in a Part D stand-alone plan, you will probably want to go
with the lowest-premium plan – the Envision Rx Plus Prescription Drug Plan. It has a $12,60
monthly premium, the lowest of any Part D stand-alone plan in your area. Walgreens is not a
preferred pharmacy in this plan or in any of the drug coverages in your evaluation.

When you need a short-term prescription filled, you should go to one of your plan’s preferred
pharmacies, which are listed on page 4 of the evaluation (and in Appendix C2). According to the
Medicare web site, you will pay full price at Walgreens for your drugs in at least one of the
other Aetna Rx drug coverages in your evaluation.

Summary

As you can see on page 3 of the evaluation, the fixed costs (premiums) in either of the
Advantage plans are roughly $2,000 less than they are for the Medigap policies and the Part D
stand-alone plan. That means you start out the year $2,000 ahead, but that difference narrows
as you go to see your doctors and use various medical services. In your case you’ll be enrolled
for only 8 months, and so this year’s potential cost savings are less, but still substantial.

Paul, please let me know if you have any questions. There are a couple of things to keep in
mind as you make the transition to Medicare as your primary coverage. On your initial visits to
your new doctors after May 1, show the office staff your enrollment cards for Medicare A&B
and the supplemental coverage you’ve selected. And on your first visit to the pharmacy, show
them the enrollment card for the plan you’re enrolled in. That will help to avoid any billing
confusion. Also, you’re entitled to a free “Welcome to Medicare” physical (see page 11 of the
evaluation), but you’ll probably have to request it.

Sincerely,

David Armes, CFP®

Attachments
WDA:41618

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