I think it is different state to state but here are the things I know across the board. SSA should have and did send out a questionaire within the last few months asking low income people about their assets and any additional income. This was to determine if the individual is eligible to have the gov subsidize the part d. The companies being offered each have formularies. This is a list of meds it covers. Some people go to the medicare part d website and look at the formularies and see which one best fits their needs with the drugs they take. Then they have more info about which program to sign up for.

Okay, in my state if you fit into a certain low income profile you get your part D paid and keep the previous insurance you had. Some pay a monthly premium to the state and drugs are free, and some pay a $1-$3 co-pay for each script. It is okay if you are low income to let the state auto-enroll you as they are going to go for the most cost effective program.

It is still very confusing. Initially I was told that they would not cover benzos or morphine type drugs. I have seen both on some of the formularies. Hope this helps.

My guess is Kris you don't have to make a choice and you will be okay. It is the middle income people who will suffer with this program. Good luck.