Make a Current Medication List
Write down each medication, dosage, frequency, and whether you use a brand or generic version. This gives you a practical way to compare plan formularies instead of relying on general drug-coverage descriptions.
Check the Formulary
Each plan can organize covered drugs differently. A medication may be covered on one plan and placed on a different tier—or subject to different rules—on another.
Review Pharmacy Networks
Preferred pharmacies may offer different pricing than standard network pharmacies. Mail-order options can also matter if you use maintenance medications.
Look for Plan Rules
Prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limits, and other utilization rules can affect how easily a prescription is covered. Read the details rather than comparing copays alone.
Compare Annual Cost, Not One Fill
Consider the plan premium, deductible if applicable, expected prescription costs across the year, and whether the plan structure changes as spending increases. Current plan materials provide the most reliable details.
Prescription Comparison Checklist
- Is every current medication covered?
- Which tier is each drug on?
- What would the drug cost at my preferred pharmacy?
- Do prior authorization or step-therapy rules apply?
- Would a different pharmacy materially change the cost?