The Medicare Part D drug benefit will only be available through one of two private drug plans: Standalone Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) and Medicare private health plan (i.e., an HMO, PPO or PFFS)

"Stand-Alone Plans" these are private insurance plans offered by private companies. They provide ONLY prescription drug coverage through Part D, and do not affect beneficiaries’ Parts A and B Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage (MA) or "Medicare Health Plans" are generally HMOs, PPOs, PFFS, or MSA plans offered by private companies that provide Medicare Part A and B services in a managed care model. A Medicare Advantage plan that also offers Part D prescription drug coverage is called an MA-PD.

The following listing provides information and resources on the varied and complex aspects of the Medicare Part D plans.

• Explaining Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for Employers & Unions 
• Comparing Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.
• Medicare and Other Health Benefits: Guide to Who Pays First 
• Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods
• Fast Facts: 2011 Medicare Health & Drug Plans in California

• Blue Shield Creditable and Non-Creditable Coverage
• Blue Shield Medicare Prescription Drug Plans 2012 Formulary Comparison Tool – 52pgs
• Summary of Benefits for Blue Shield Medicare Plans January 1, 2012-December 31, 2012 – 24pgs
• Choice Administrators Creditable and Non-Creditable Plan Coverage 

• Medicare and You: The official 2012 government handbook on Medicare Part D - 148 pgs 
• Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage – 84 pgs 

California Department of Aging
http://www.aging.ca.gov

The California Department of Aging contracts with and provides leadership and direction to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) that coordinate a wide array of services to seniors and adults with disabilities at the community level and serve as the focal point for local aging concerns. You can locate an AAA in your area by calling 1-800-510-2020

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
www.cms.hhs.gov

A comprehensive site featuring fact sheets, handouts, maps, projected dates, and more. Medicare www.medicare.gov The official U.S. government site for people with Medicare. Serves as a clearinghouse for all information related to Medicare Part D.

Medicare Rights Center
www.medicarerights.org

Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. Founded in 1989, MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care.

MediCare Part D Formulary
http://plancompare.medicare.gov

Allows visitors to search drug formularies by state, then name of drug.