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wi57twin Asked October 2017

Enrollment into Medicare part D while on hospice?

I asked my dad's social worker about keeping my dad on Medicare part D as he is also on hospice care. She could not give me a answer. The only meds dad is on is bp meds. It's out of pocket $18/month. He was on Xarelto for a few months but discontinued due to fall and risks due to the falls. His monthly part D premium is going up to $58/month and I cannot see the wisdom of paying the premium if it isn't covering him. Do I call his current provider or Medicare for assistance?

JessieBelle Oct 2017
I would ask hospice. They may want to use medications to ease his discomforts at a later time, so you may want to keep the Part D or switch to an Advantage plan. I would get advice from your hospice provider before doing anything. There may be Advantage plans they don't accept. The nice thing about the Advantage plans is they include medications, but without paying Part D. (You have Parts A, B, and C, with C being the Advantage plan of your choice.)

JoAnn29 Oct 2017
Really! A Social Workers should know this answer if not, find it out from you. Is Dad terminal? Will Hospice pick up the cost for medication he may need in the future? If so, you may not need the part D. If there is a possibility that Dad may get better and Hospice drops him, then you may need it. Talk to the Hospice Nurse. Really $58 isn't bad.

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